A 28-year-old Thai woman arrested at Japan’s Fukuoka Airport after methamphetamine was allegedly discovered hidden inside coffee sachets will learn on July 31 whether Japanese prosecutors intend to file charges, Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has confirmed. The woman, Juthathip, travelled from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Japan on July 11 with her 28-year-old boyfriend, Sarawut, and another friend. According to her family, all three worked carrying goods on behalf of Thai residents living in Japan. She was arrested after arriving at Fukuoka Airport on the morning of July 12 when Japanese authorities allegedly found crystal meth, commonly known as “ice”, concealed inside coffee packets in her luggage. Her parents, Thanasak, 53, and Kanyavee, 45, have insisted their daughter may have been an unwitting courier after accepting a package from an unknown sender. They have appealed to Thai authorities to investigate whether an organised network is using unsuspecting travellers to transport illegal drugs overseas. Prosecutors to decide on July 31 Areephak Ngernbamrung, Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson for Thailand’s ONCB, said Japanese investigators must first complete scientific testing to confirm both the type and quantity of the suspected drugs before deciding how to proceed. The ONCB said it currently knows only that methamphetamine was allegedly concealed in coffee sachets, while the exact quantity has not yet been confirmed. Japanese authorities are investigating two alleged offences: importing methamphetamine and violating customs laws. The woman has remained in custody since July 13 and was transferred to prosecutors shortly after her arrest. Her detention was due to expire on August 2, but because that falls on a Saturday, prosecutors are expected to announce their decision on Friday, July 31. If charges are filed, she will remain in custody while the case proceeds, with a court ruling expected within around two months. If prosecutors decline to prosecute, she would be deported to Thailand immediately. According to the ONCB, cases involving drug importation for commercial purposes can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under Japanese law, although courts typically impose prison terms of around five to ten years depending on the circumstances. Warning for international travellers The ONCB said it has remained in regular contact with Japanese police through existing cooperation channels but stressed it cannot yet determine whether the Thai woman was an innocent victim or knowingly involved. That decision rests entirely with Japanese investigators and prosecutors. Officials also said there is currently no evidence linking the case to a wider network operating in Thailand. Investigators are separately examining a Line account using the name “ing ing”, which allegedly contacted couriers offering transport work, although the ONCB said it was too early to conclude whether it is connected to this or any other case. For foreigners and expats living in Thailand, the case is another reminder of the risks of carrying parcels or luggage for other people across international borders. Thai authorities warned that drugs are frequently concealed inside everyday items such as coffee sachets, powdered creamer and food supplement packaging, often resealed after being tampered with. Travellers should never transport items whose contents they cannot personally verify, as customs authorities in many countries hold passengers legally responsible for everything inside their luggage. Related story Thai-woman-arrested-at-Japan-airport-after-ice-found-in-parcel Join the discussion? 28 July 2026
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