Crime 23-Year-Old Woman Arrested Smuggling Ketamine Across Thai-Cambodian Border

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

Authorities at a joint border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province have arrested a 23-year-old Thai woman for attempting to smuggle ketamine across the Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district.

 

At approximately 10:30 on 15 May, officers from the 1201st Ranger Company, operating under the 12th Ranger Regiment, in cooperation with the Burapha Task Force, were conducting routine inspections at Checkpoint A20 in the Khlong Luek area. Suspicious behaviour led officials to stop and search the woman, later identified as Miss Supakan Khampoot, from Suan Phueng district in Ratchaburi province.

 

A female paramilitary officer, Corporal Papada Lomkratok, carried out a preliminary inspection and discovered a clear resealable plastic bag containing finely ground white powder concealed in the suspect’s black shoulder bag. Initial testing confirmed the substance to be ketamine, a category 2 narcotic.

 

Miss Supakan stated during questioning that she had travelled to Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, on 12 May to visit a friend. On 13 May, she reportedly visited a nightclub named “Thonglor” with a Thai female companion known only as “Pin,” who works as a PR hostess at the venue.

 

According to Supakan, Pin used ketamine during their visit and allegedly placed the remaining quantity into Supakan’s bag without her knowledge. Supakan denied any drug use herself and claimed she was unaware of the drugs in her possession. She was returning to Ratchaburi via the Khlong Luek crossing when apprehended.

 

However, a preliminary urine test conducted by authorities detected the presence of ketamine in Supakan’s system, contradicting her claim of non-use.

 

Officials remain sceptical of Supakan’s account. Following her arrest and further questioning, the suspect and the seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Khlong Luek Police Station for legal proceedings.

 

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about cross-border drug trafficking and the role of entertainment venues in the distribution and use of illicit substances.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-16.