Myanmar Men Arrested on Koh Phangan After Posting Drug Videos

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Tourism police on Koh Phangan have arrested a group of Myanmar nationals involved in drug trafficking after they posted videos of themselves using methamphetamine on social media, using the secret code phrase “Wan Jeep” to refer to the drugs.

Following orders from Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueakam, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, officers from Tourist Police Station 5, led by Pol Lt Winij Boonchit, tracked down Myanmar men posting drug use videos within the local Myanmar community on Koh Phangan.

The suspects, identified as Mr. Koko and Mr. Aka, aged 29 and 26 respectively, were arrested at Koko’s rented room. Police seized five methamphetamine pills during a search.

Mr. Koko confessed that the videos circulating online indeed showed him consuming methamphetamine. He said he purchased the drugs from a Thai dealer known only as Mr. Bew, buying between 50 to 100 pills at 50 baht each. He then sold them to Myanmar and Thai customers on the island for 100 baht per pill.

The gang used the secret code “Wan Jeep” in conversations to refer to the drugs, frequently saying, “How much Wan Jeep do you want?” or ending discussions with “Wan Jeep.”

Police then searched Aka’s residence in Moo 1, Koh Phangan, where they found a group of four Myanmar nationals gathered, apparently to consume drugs. Drug paraphernalia was scattered throughout the room. All four were arrested.

Charges against Koko and Aka include possession of Category 1 drugs (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute and illegal drug use. The other four Myanmar nationals face charges of illegal use of Category 1 drugs and violating the Immigration Act of 1979 by entering Thailand without permission.

All suspects were handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal action.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-13