China expels Volkswagen executive for drug use in Thailand

A Volkswagen executive in China has been deported for allegedly using cocaine and marijuana in Thailand.

Regarding cannabis, this is not the first time that a foreigner has been arrested for using it in Thailand; people who tested positive for cannabis have been arrested in Malaysia.

See: Tourists from Thailand arrested in Malaysia after testing positive for marijuana

On Wednesday, October 23, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that a Volkswagen employee had been deported after being detained for 10 days.

A Beijing police report said an investigation determined the 56-year-old man had taken both drugs on October 5 and was sentenced to detention from October 10 to 20 as an administrative penalty.

Germany's best-selling newspaper, Bild, and other media outlets reported that the man was Jochen Sengpiehl, whose LinkedIn profile lists him as Volkswagen's marketing director in China.

Bild reported that he tested positive for drug use after returning from a holiday in Thailand.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the reports, citing labor and data protection laws.

China is an important market for the German carmaker, where it has faced strong competitive pressure in recent years from rapidly growing Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

Drug use is an administrative offense in China, punishable by detention of 10 to 15 days and a fine of up to 2,000 yuan (260 euros).

Thailand legalized marijuana in 2022, but Chinese authorities warned that using the drug abroad was equivalent to using it domestically and subject to the same penalties.

See also:

Many tourists arrested with cannabis after trips to Thailand

Brazilian tourist arrested in Bali with cannabis from Thailand

Thailand wants to regulate cannabis while keeping it legal

Source: Khaosod English