Thai police have arrested two brothers from Rayong accused of helping move more than 2,399kg of crystal methamphetamine from Thailand towards Australia by sea. The men, aged 43 and 46, were detained on 1 September in Nakhon Si Thammarat after an investigation into a transnational drugs network allegedly using fishing vessels and Starlink satellite equipment to communicate. Arrests on land and at sea Pariwat, 43, was arrested beside a road in Moo 8, Thong Nian, Khanom district. His older brother, Piti, 46, was detained aboard the fishing boat Por Chok Chantha 399 in Khanom Bay. Both men were wanted under Criminal Court warrants on charges of jointly selling a category 1 narcotic, crystal meth, and jointly attempting to export the drug from Thailand. The operation involved the Crime Suppression Division, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and Khanom maritime police. It was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Natsak Chawanasai, with officers including Crime Suppression Division chief Maj Gen Phatthanasak Bubphasuwan, his deputy Col Pongpanot Chukaew, Division 6 superintendent Col Anusorn Thongsai and Lt Col Thanakarn Uchanarasami. Police seized two mobile phones. Investigators said Pariwat was driving a red saloon car with Rayong registration plates when officers moved in. He allegedly fled at speed and threw a mobile phone beside the road in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence, but was later stopped and arrested. Investigation followed 2025 seizure The arrests stem from a June 2025 operation in which the DSI, Royal Thai Navy and Narcotics Control Board seized more than 2,399kg of crystal meth. Authorities said that consignment had been moved from the mouth of the Prasae River in Rayong aboard a tourist boat, then through the Gulf of Thailand to Sichon and Khanom in Nakhon Si Thammarat. It was allegedly intended to be transferred to a larger vessel for delivery into international waters, with Australia as the destination. Pictures courtesy of MGR Online Financial trails, suspicious accounts and communications later led investigators to the two Rayong-born brothers, police said. Officers allege they were linked to a transnational network directed from a neighbouring country, while using fishing work in Khanom as a cover. Police said Pariwat allegedly directed crew members and oversaw the movement of drugs. Piti allegedly handled coordination, finances and the procurement of Starlink satellite equipment fitted to the boat for communications. Radar check led police to vessel During questioning, Pariwat reportedly claimed his brother had been out fishing for five or six days. Police said vessel radar data showed Piti's boat had left port only 20 minutes earlier. Khanom maritime police then sent a patrol boat into the bay, stopped Por Chok Chantha 399 and arrested Piti, described as the boat's skipper. Both suspects were handed to DSI investigators for further legal action. Join the discussion? 2 September 2026
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