Report Pattaya Drug Bust Unfolds into Chaos as Suspect Claims Police Ties

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Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

A significant methamphetamine crackdown in Pattaya descended into chaos this week when a suspect unleashed panic on the streets, claiming to be the son of a police officer. This dramatic sequence of events played out following a tip-off from fed-up locals about rampant drug activity in Jomtien Soi 3.

 

On May 5, led by Police Colonel Anek Sarathongyoo, Pattaya City police executed a sting operation targeting a known drug hotspot. Undercover officers, directed by Police Lieutenant Anek Prasitboon, successfully purchased 0.20 grammes of crystal meth, or "ice," from 28-year-old suspect Sutee Petchamlerd. Following the transaction, Sutee was swiftly apprehended. A subsequent search uncovered an additional 0.59 grammes of ice and a meth pill in his possession.

 

The operation's scope widened as police conducted random drug tests on bystanders, resulting in four more individuals testing positive for meth use: Narachan Thongpha (42), Atthaphon Sriphako (37), Thanawat Makaew (27), and Charin Saengao (39). In addition, two more were arrested for possession—Sayan Namkam (45), with 0.65 grammes of ice, and Anantawut Phrombut (32), with 0.49 grammes of ice. All seven were taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.

 

Days earlier, on May 2, the same neighbourhood faced turmoil when a man purportedly linked to local drug activities went on a rampage, attacking civilians and causing traffic chaos by claiming his father was a police officer. The disturbance led to panic among residents, but the timely arrival of law enforcement officials traced the man's vehicle back to the area as part of the operation, unveiling deeper drug trafficking connections.

 

During the dramatic arrests that followed, a dealer resisted, injuring a police officer before being subdued. Police Lieutenant Anek expressed that these arrests are a powerful deterrent, urging the public to continue reporting any drug-related activities through the police hotline or by dialling 191.

 

These coordinated efforts aim to restore safety and order in Pattaya, as authorities crack down on pervasive drug operations with the community's aid.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-06