The Thai police informed the Nepali Embassy in Thailand on Monday that Shah was held with 5.8 gram methamphetamine and 9.7 gram marijuana. The message has been relayed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu.

Though the Shah family has sent a relative to Thailand to meet him and make efforts for his release, the Nepal government has made no official communication with Thai authorities on the matter, sources said.

According to the Thai Measure for Suppressing Narcotic Offenders Act, Shah’s case falls under Category 1. The law prescribes jail up to 10 years or 20,000-200,000 Baht in fine for any one caught with heroin, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy) and LSD.

The punishment varies for consumers and dealers. In Shah’s case the authorities have not ascertained the purpose. One faces up to 3 years in jail or a fine ranging from 10,000 to 60,000 Baht for consumption.

After his first arrest, Shah was sent to a rehabilitation centre. In the second instance, he was released on bail.