Chinese Couple Held Over Laughing Gas Sales in Bangkok

Police in Bangkok have arrested a Chinese couple accused of illegally selling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, via delivery riders, seizing a large quantity of equipment and supplies.

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The arrests took place at 04:00 on 5 May, when officers from Sutthisan Police Station detained Ms Song Jiaxin, 33 and Mr Wanli Huang, 30, at a residence in Soi 299/51, Samsen Nok, Huai Khwang district. Officers confiscated 150 nitrous oxide canisters, 65 gas inflator nozzles and 10 packs of balloons, each containing around 100 units.

The operation followed a tip-off from an informant that the pair were distributing nitrous oxide to customers for recreational inhalation using balloons. Police said the suspects would leave packages outside the house for riders to collect and deliver to buyers.

Surveillance was conducted before officers observed the two suspects carrying three large bags from the property and placing them outside in a manner deemed suspicious. A search revealed each bag contained two nitrous oxide canisters along with balloons, ready for sale.

During questioning, both suspects denied the allegations. Officers then requested access, via a warrant, to search the house, where they discovered additional boxes of nitrous oxide canisters hidden inside, in quantities considered too large for personal use.

Police also noted the suspects could not produce any documentation to prove legal importation or possession of the gas. Authorities believe the items were brought into the kingdom without authorisation and intended for distribution.

The pair have been charged, through an interpreter, with jointly selling, importing, or ordering into the kingdom a modern pharmaceutical product without a licence, in violation of the Drug Act 1967. All seized items have been handed over to investigators at Sutthisan Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The case highlights ongoing concerns among authorities over the misuse of nitrous oxide as a recreational substance, particularly through discreet delivery methods that make enforcement more difficult.

Thaitabloid reported that investigations are continuing to determine the supply chain and whether others are involved in the operation. Police have indicated further action may follow as they examine the origin of the seized goods.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 6 May 2026