Police from The Central Investigation Bureau have arrested a 54-year-old Chinese national and seized 500 canisters of nitrous oxide worth more than 1 million baht during a raid in Bangkok. The suspect, identified as Mr Bai Changbo, was detained at a residence in Suan Luang district on 21 February. Officers allege he helped conceal and distribute goods illegally imported without passing through customs procedures.
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The operation was ordered by Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, who instructed Pol Maj Gen Thatsaphum Charuprat and officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) to carry out the search. Acting under a warrant issued by the Central Tax Court, officers moved on the property after surveillance linked it to an ongoing smuggling network.
The arrest followed an earlier crackdown in January 2026 on a major network accused of illegally importing and selling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Investigators said they uncovered further connections to Chinese traders who continued to distribute the gas, prompting extended monitoring of suspected storage locations.
Police found that the latest target property, located in the Ramkhamhaeng area, was being used to store and package nitrous oxide into boxes. The packages were allegedly disguised as ordinary goods and sent to customers who placed orders online, using motorcycle delivery riders to avoid detection.
When officers arrived, Mr Bai was reportedly preparing to leave the house on a motorcycle fitted with a storage box. A search of the box revealed two canisters of nitrous oxide ready for delivery, while a further search inside the house uncovered a total of 500 canisters.
Mr Bai was charged with assisting in concealing, distributing, transporting, purchasing or receiving goods that he knew had been illegally imported into the Kingdom without customs clearance. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to overseeing the premises and the stored goods in exchange for a monthly payment of 30,000 baht from a Chinese employer residing overseas.
Daily News reported that authorities have transferred the suspect and seized evidence to investigators from Sub-Division 2 of the ECD for further legal proceedings. Police said they are continuing efforts to expand the investigation and track down financiers and other members of the network.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
Key Takeaways
• A 54-year-old Chinese national was arrested in Bangkok with 500 nitrous oxide canisters worth over 1 million baht.
• Police allege the gas was illegally imported and distributed through online orders using motorcycle couriers.
• The suspect reportedly admitted working for a Chinese employer abroad for 30,000 baht per month.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 22 Feb 2026
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