Thai authorities have arrested a suspected drug trafficking coordinator linked to a transnational heroin network involving flight attendant Mina, who was caught carrying heroin hidden in elephant-pattern tote bags in Australia on 25 June.
Get today's headlines by email 
On 9 July, officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, supported by Metropolitan Police investigators and Phayao provincial police, arrested 41-year-old Ekkawit, known as Pheng, in Chiang Kham district, Phayao province. Investigators identified him as the operator of a Line account using the avatar name Rin Rin, which they believe was used to coordinate parts of the trafficking network.
During questioning, Ekkawit admitted he worked as a seasonal farmer but said he was paid to help coordinate operations and conceal heroin inside elephant-pattern bags to avoid detection. He told investigators he received around 100,000 baht for each shipment.
Police said Ekkawit used Line to instruct Uthai, a hired courier who was previously arrested, to collect drug packages in Phayao province. Uthai travelled by bus and rented accommodation near a bus terminal using cash while waiting to receive the package.
After receiving the bag, Uthai travelled by bus to Ayutthaya province. Investigators said he then hired a black sedan to deliver the drug-filled bag to Mina beneath a condominium in Bangkok’s Bang Na district, while another bag was delivered to Soi Suea Yai Uthit.
Financial investigations found transfers totalling more than 1 million baht into the bank account of Uthai’s wife. The transfers were made in two transactions worth 200,000 baht and 800,000 baht.
Authorities said the investigation has helped identify the structure of the wider trafficking operation. Investigators identified four main parts of the network, including Ekkawit’s role in directing couriers in Thailand, arranging concealment methods and handling payments.
A Facebook account named Rose Rose was identified as allegedly contacting Mina directly to recruit her to carry the package to Australia. Authorities also identified a Thai woman known as Dear as the intended recipient in Australia.
Investigators believe a major financier based in Laos controlled the operation and owned the heroin, directing shipments into Thailand while remaining outside the country. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board and the Department of Special Investigation are gathering evidence to seek arrest warrants for suspected masterminds based in Laos.
Thai authorities are also working with Australian police to exchange information and support efforts to dismantle the network. The Department of Special Investigation has previously sought arrest warrants for four people, including three Lao nationals and one Thai national, linked to the movement of heroin from Laos into Thailand through Loei province.
The Standard reported that Ekkawit has been transferred from Phayao to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau headquarters for further questioning as investigators continue expanding the case. Authorities are continuing to trace financial routes and identify other people involved in the network.
Related stories
Myanmar-heroin-linked-to-Thai-airways-hostesss-arrest
Man-arrested-in-Phitsanulok-over-Australian-heroin-case
Thai-flight-attendant-held-over-heroin-at-Melbourne-airport
Join the discussion? 
11 July 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment