Lao Woman Arrested Smuggling Drugs at Nong Khai Border

A 21-year-old Lao woman has been arrested by customs officers at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai while attempting to smuggle 3 kilogrammes of illegal drugs into Thailand. The suspect, identified as Supawadee Thammawongsa, was found carrying 40 sachets of a substance known as “happy water”, with an estimated value of 80,000 baht. She later admitted the offence, stating she had agreed to transport the drugs in exchange for clearing a 20,000 baht debt.

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The arrest took place on 13 April at the border checkpoint in Mueang district, Nong Khai province, during a routine inspection by customs officials. Supawadee had arrived on an international passenger bus and presented herself for entry procedures, carrying a black shoulder bag. An X-ray scan of the bag revealed suspicious contents, prompting a detailed search.

Officials discovered 34 sachets of varying colours and branding inside the bag, and a further six sachets concealed in the front of her trousers. The contents, described as white crystalline flakes, tested positive for illegal narcotics after a reagent turned purple. Authorities then detained her and seized the drugs as evidence.

During questioning, Supawadee confessed that she had been instructed by a creditor to transport the drugs into Thailand. She said she was told to deliver them to the bus terminal in Udon Thani, where another woman would collect them and her outstanding debt of 20,000 baht would be cleared in return. She agreed to the arrangement but was intercepted before completing the journey.

The case was announced at a press briefing attended by local officials, including Deputy Governor Paitoon Mahachuenjai and representatives from customs, immigration, and security forces. Authorities highlighted the ongoing risk of drug smuggling through border crossings, particularly during busy travel periods such as Songkran.

Daily News reported that officials have transferred Supawadee to investigators at Mueang Nong Khai Police Station for legal proceedings. She faces charges related to possession and attempted importation of a Category 1 narcotic under Thai law. Further investigations are expected to identify those involved in the wider trafficking network.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 14 Apr 2026