Thai police have arrested an Indian national accused of displaying firearms and allegedly dealing drugs on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, after videos circulated on social media showing him posing with weapons and firing guns in a durian orchard.
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Police said the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Indian national Mr Shabeelkunnon Valappil, was arrested on 23 May 2026 at a house in Koh Phangan subdistrict, Koh Phangan district, Surat Thani province. Officers acted on orders from Pol Gen Samran Nuanma, deputy national police chief and director of the police centre for transnational crime suppression operations.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
The operation was led by Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, Pol Lt Gen Sitthichai Lokanpai, commander of Provincial Police Region 8, and Pol Col Prawit Engchuan, superintendent of the special operations division under the Region 8 investigation bureau. Officers from the special operations unit surrounded the property after receiving complaints from residents about the suspect’s behaviour.
According to police, local residents reported that the man regularly gathered with groups linked to drug activity in a durian orchard and frequently fired weapons during celebrations, causing fear among nearby villagers. Social media clips allegedly showed the suspect displaying both handguns and rifles.
Investigators waited in ambush until the suspect returned to the property on an off-road motorcycle. Police said he attempted to flee into nearby woodland when he spotted officers, but was quickly apprehended.
A search of his trouser pocket reportedly uncovered drugs packaged for sale along with several measuring tubes used for distribution. Officers also found that the suspect had overstayed his visa and was living in Thailand unlawfully.
Police charged him with possession of Category 1 narcotics, including crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy and MDMA, with intent to sell, as well as possession of the Category 2 drug ketamine for sale. He was also charged with drug use and overstaying his permission to remain in the kingdom.
The Daily News reported that the suspect was transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities have not released further details on whether additional suspects may face investigation following the arrest.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 24 May 2026