Police in Chiang Mai have arrested a Chinese man and his Thai wife for allegedly selling etomidate-laced vape products, known locally as “pod K”, to customers at entertainment venues in the city. Authorities said the operation was part of a wider crackdown on drugs and entertainment venues, with officials warning that those involved face prison sentences of 10 to 15 years.
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The arrests were announced on 2 June at the CCOC (Command and Control Operation Centre) operations room of Provincial Police Region 5 in Chiang Mai. The case was presented by Pol Lt Gen Kritthapol Yeesakorn, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, and Chiang Mai Governor Ratthaphon Naradisorn.
According to police, the suspects admitted importing the substance from China for use in vape products. Investigators said the products contained etomidate, described as a new type of narcotic mixed into electronic cigarettes. The suspects reportedly told officers they had been selling the products since April, around two months before their arrest, and were making profits of more than five times their costs.
Pol Lt Gen Kritthapol said the arrests followed an ongoing campaign to suppress drug trafficking and tighten controls on entertainment venues throughout the region. He stated that the drug causes users to display behaviour similar to “zombies” and is difficult to treat. He added that those convicted of selling the substance face prison terms of between 10 and 15 years.
Governor Ratthaphon described the drug as expensive but warned that falling prices could increase the risk of wider use among children and young people. He said any entertainment venue operators found to be involved would face legal action.
Authorities further warned that businesses linked to the trade could be ordered to close and face asset seizures under existing laws and government policy. The case forms part of broader efforts by officials to tackle drug-related activity in entertainment districts across Chiang Mai.
Matichon reported that investigators are continuing legal proceedings against the suspects while authorities examine whether any venue operators or additional individuals were involved in the distribution network. Police also confirmed that the Chinese suspect’s passport and permission to stay, had not expired at the time of the arrest.
Picture courtesy of Matichon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 3 June 2026