Crime Pattaya Authorities Launch Drug Crackdown – Two Dealers Arrested, 16 Test Positive

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of TMN

 

An anti-drug operation in Pattaya has resulted in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and 16 individuals who tested positive for illegal substances, as authorities ramp up efforts to create drug-free communities under the Ministry of Interior’s “No Drugs, No Dealers” policy.

 

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with National Police Chief, ordered the crackdown, instructing Mr. Patcharapatch Sritanyanon, the District Chief of Bang Lamung, to lead the operation in collaboration with key local officials and Pattaya City Police. The coordinated effort aimed to strengthen social defences against drugs in schools, communities, villages, and families.

 

The operation, which took place in the early hours of 22 July, focused on Soi Arunothai 2 in central Pattaya, where officers had received intelligence from informants about ongoing drug trafficking activities.

 

Officers observed a man later identified as “Mr. Ton,” a 30-year-old suspected dealer, exiting a commercial building converted into a short-stay guesthouse. As authorities moved in to search him, he attempted to flee and discarded a package later found to contain 67 methamphetamine pills. After a short chase, Mr. Ton was apprehended and admitted to supplying drugs to users who would rent rooms in the guesthouse to consume them.

 

Police proceeded to raid the property, knocking on doors and conducting urine drug tests on occupants. Some guests, unaware of the raid, reportedly arrived at the scene looking to buy drugs. In total, 14 people were detained for drug use.

 

 

Following interrogations, Mr. Ton named an older woman, known as “Pa Thuang,” aged 59, as another supplier. Undercover officers arranged a sting operation, successfully purchasing crystal meth from her for 200 baht. Once the transaction was complete, officers moved in and arrested her inside her room. A subsequent search uncovered 38 methamphetamine pills and 2.47 grams of crystal meth, packaged for sale.

 

In total, the operation seized:

 

• 105 methamphetamine pills (ya ba)

• 8 packets of crystal methamphetamine (total weight: 3.43 grams)

• 2 ecstasy pills

• 16 individuals who tested positive for drug use

 

Authorities have vowed to continue targeting drug distribution networks in Pattaya and surrounding districts. Local leaders say the mission is not only about enforcement but about building resilient, drug-free environments through prevention and education.

 

The suspects are being held pending further legal proceedings.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1367426-thai-police-chief-orders-nationwide-drug-crackdown/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from TMN 2025-07-23