Pattaya Couple Arrested in Drug Sting with Toddler in Tow

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

In a significant drug bust in Pattaya, police arrested a couple who allegedly attempted to sell methamphetamine with their two-year-old son seated between them on a motorbike. The couple, 42-year-old Wirot Ratloi, known as “Ting,” and his 27-year-old wife, Ployphan Mueangdit, “Pin,” were caught with over 1,000 Yaba pills near the Ban Na Bridge in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri.

The arrest was delayed when undercover officers noted the presence of the toddler on the couple’s red Honda Wave motorbike. To ensure the child's safety, officers from the Bang Lamung Police Station’s special suppression unit opted to follow the suspects for over 30 kilometres, waiting for a secure location to apprehend them.

Upon searching the couple's rented room in Soi Nern Phap Wan, police uncovered 1,088 Yaba pills concealed within the property. The operation was spearheaded by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suphawat Lathapreecha along with Pol. Maj. Pakorn Muensi-khiao and Pol. Sub-Lt. Thongthawat Phonlakorn, following a tip-off and an undercover buy, where the couple had agreed to sell 30 pills for 1,100 baht.

During questioning, the couple admitted to being husband and wife, with Ting reportedly unemployed and Pin working as a club promoter on Pattaya’s Walking Street. They confessed to dealing drugs for additional income but denied allegations of using their son as a shield. Ting claimed they were on their way to a night market and had stopped to deliver drugs en route.

Police, however, remained unconvinced. The duo has been charged with joint possession of a Category 1 narcotic (Yaba) with intent to sell and are now in custody pending further investigation.

Following the arrest, their young son has been placed in protective care as authorities evaluate his welfare. Police have indicated that this operation may lead to further arrests as investigations into the larger Yaba network continue.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-12