Chinese, Thai Suspects Held in Pattaya Drug Raid

Thai narcotics officials and police launched coordinated raids on two properties in Pattaya on 25 May 2026, arresting Chinese and Thai suspects linked to a cross-border drug network. Officers seized crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy pills and “pod K” devices containing etomidate, along with assets.

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The operation was led by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 2 under the Ministry of Justice. Mr Sarawut Phakdee, director of ONCB Region 2, assigned enforcement officers to work with narcotics suppression police, Nong Prue and Huai Yai police, tourist police and the First Naval Area Command.

Authorities carried out searches at two locations in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. At a property in Nong Prue, officers executed a Pattaya Provincial Court warrant and questioned Ms Pornsuda, who identified herself as the homeowner, but no illegal drugs or prohibited items were discovered.

At a second property in Moo 3, Huai Yai, officers arrested two Chinese nationals identified as Mr. Yang and Miss Son on charges of possessing untaxed goods under the Excise Tax Act 2017. At the same property officers also arrested Mr. Sun, a Chinese national, and Ms Kanthamon, a Thai citizen, after finding 11.44 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, 12 ecstasy tablets and psychotropic substances classified as Category 2 drugs, commonly known as “pod K” or etomidate.

The suspects were charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, possession of Category 2 psychotropic substances, concealing or receiving untaxed goods under customs law and illegal drug use. Investigators also seized 10 assets believed to be connected to serious narcotics offences under Thailand’s narcotics code.

Confiscated items included a Honda HR-V, two Louis Vuitton and Gucci bags, a Sublue diving device, four electronic devices comprising an iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17, iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPad Air, as well as two bank books. Officials estimated the total value of the seized assets at about 800,000 baht.

Authorities said officers from Narcotics Suppression Division 2 in Pattaya and ONCB Region 2 would continue investigating financial transactions and other individuals linked to the network. The operation forms part of the government’s campaign against narcotics trafficking and Chinese organised crime groups operating in Thailand.

The crackdown follows directives issued by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarat and ONCB secretary-general Suriya Singhakamol to intensify action against new forms of narcotics, particularly etomidate vaping devices and crimes affecting Thailand’s tourism image.

Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 26 May 2026