Pictures courtesy of Matichon

 

Police on Koh Phangan have arrested an Indian man who was already on bail for immigration offences after he was caught selling hashish to tourists. The suspect, who allegedly claimed to have “powerful connections” in Bangkok, was detained during a coordinated crackdown led by the Tourist Police and local authorities on 7 October.

 

The raid formed part of a wider operation targeting four major cases linked to drug trafficking, illegal labour and counterfeit currency offences. The operation was ordered by Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, and directed by Police Lieutenant Winij Boonchit of the Tourist Police Subdivision 5, Region 2. The effort was conducted in cooperation with Koh Phangan District officials, immigration police, and Koh Phangan Police Station.

 

According to district chief Suriya Bunphan and deputy district chief Paisit Thongchoem, the security team, led by officer Thanaphon Saetang, acted on intelligence that a man identified as Mr. Ashwin, a 29-year-old Indian national, was working illegally in the Sri Thanu area. Officers found him putting up party advertisements without a valid work permit, violating his bail conditions under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522.

 

When questioned, Mr. Ashwin reportedly boasted to officers that he had influential contacts in Bangkok and permitted them to inspect his mobile phone. A search uncovered conversations showing drug transactions involving hashish, along with four bags of the substance in his possession. He confessed to selling hashish, known locally as “yang ganja,” to tourists on the island.

 

Police charged him with “working without a permit” and “possessing a controlled herbal substance beyond the legal limit.” The arrest reinforced national directives to curb criminal behaviour affecting Thailand’s tourism image, particularly on popular resort islands such as Koh Phangan. Officials also emphasised that leniency would not be given to foreign nationals who violate the law, even if they claim connections to influential figures.

 

Police then traced the supply chain to two cannabis shops in the central area of Koh Phangan. At the first shop, they arrested Ms. Jamjuree, the owner, seizing 118 grams of hashish and 31 cannabis vape products. At the second, Mr. Jetsada, the manager, was detained with 257 grams of hashish packaged in gold-coloured bags. Both suspects confessed to ordering and selling hashish to tourists and were charged with “possession of a controlled herbal substance beyond the legal limit” and “concealing untaxed goods.”

 

In a separate case, police arrested Ms. Ayelet Ganer Ishak, a 49-year-old Israeli woman, after a currency exchange shop reported that she had used a counterfeit US$100 note to obtain 3,140 baht. She later admitted the money was fake and that she had brought it from the United States intending to spend it in Thailand.

 

All four suspects were transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for further investigation and prosecution. Officials confirmed that each had confessed to the offences. Authorities stated that further investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspects were part of a larger criminal network.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• An Indian man on bail for immigration offences was rearrested for selling hashish on Koh Phangan.

• The suspect, 29, was caught with four bags of hashish and admitted to selling drugs to tourists.

• Police are extending the investigation to uncover potential accomplices and suppliers.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-10-09

 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Police on Koh Phangan have arrested an Indian man who was already on bail for immigration offences after he was caught selling hashish to tourists. The suspect, who allegedly claimed to have “powerful connections” in Bangkok, was detained during a coordinated crackdown led by the Tourist Police and local authorities on 7 October.

Time to invite him out of the country, his powerful friends may come forward and challenge the order if they wish.

More quality indian tourists they wanted them now they have to suffer

Oh no not him again..

 

A non-Thai pulling the do you know who I am card in an argument with Thai police? The arrogant prick will be taught a lesson he won’t forget for a long time. 

I’m confused!  Wikipedia says, “Hashish is a cannabis concentrate made from compressed or purified trichomes of the plant.” So why is it illegal when cannabis is legal in Thailand?
 

1 hour ago, falangUK said:

I’m confused!  Wikipedia says, “Hashish is a cannabis concentrate made from compressed or purified trichomes of the plant.” So why is it illegal when cannabis is legal in Thailand?
 

One possible reason might be that hashish is significantly more potent than cannabis buds.

Derived from the resin of the female cannabis plant, hashish differs from marijuana, which is composed of the entire flowers and leaves. This distinction is important.

Additionally, hashish is frequently adulterated, which poses potential health risks to users.