Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Police have arrested 37-year-old Suriyah, also known as “Phueak Sarapleng,” a key drug trafficking leader in Nakhon Si Thammarat, on 18 October 2025. He was apprehended hiding in a condominium in Bangkok’s Laksi district while allegedly continuing to coordinate drug distribution in southern provinces. Authorities seized evidence linking him to the supply of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs.

 

The arrest was carried out by Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanasak Bupphasuwan, commanding officer of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), along with Pol. Col. Phatrawut Onchuay and Pol. Lt. Col. Theerapong Kongkhiew. Suriyah was wanted under two warrants from Pak Phanang and Chaloem Phra Kiat district courts, dating 15 and 27 January 2025, for conspiracy to commit serious drug offences and trafficking methamphetamine for commercial purposes, deemed one of the mayor drug leaders in the area.

 

Investigation traced Suriyah’s activities across Chaloem Phra Kiat and Chian Yai districts, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Police reported that Suriyah arranged the purchase of one kilogram of crystal meth valued at 230,000 baht, instructing an associate, Wimonchai, to deliver the drugs. Authorities intercepted the handover at Si Yaek Bo Lo intersection, Seua Luang subdistrict, recovering the one-kilogram shipment and arresting Wimonchai.

 

Further searches at Wimonchai’s residence uncovered 1,200 methamphetamine tablets. Investigations linked Suriyah to a broader national network, including a November 2024 seizure of 65,658 meth tablets, 7.5 kilograms of crystal meth and 1,110 ecstasy pills from another associate, Jarue. Suriyah had been evading authorities until intelligence confirmed he was residing in Bangkok while directing distribution in southern provinces.

 

Suriyah denied all charges during interrogation. Police have handed him over to Chaloem Phra Kiat police for prosecution. Authorities continue investigations to dismantle the remaining elements of his trafficking network.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Suriyah, a 37-year-old drug trafficking leader from Nakhon Si Thammarat, was arrested in a Bangkok condominium while allegedly continuing drug operations.

• Police recovered one kilogram of crystal meth and 1,200 methamphetamine tablets from his associates during the investigation.

• The suspect denies all charges and has been transferred to Chaloem Phra Kiat police for prosecution.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-19

 

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Investigations linked Suriyah to a broader national network

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities continue investigations to dismantle the remaining elements of his trafficking network.

 

After that, calling him kingpin! Laughable! He looks more, and it sounds, like he is a distributor for a certain area of Thailand. A whole 1 kilo of crystal meth, must be a record low for a kingpin

46 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

 

 

After that, calling him kingpin! Laughable! He looks more, and it sounds, like he is a distributor for a certain area of Thailand. A whole 1 kilo of crystal meth, must be a record low for a kingpin

The kingpins are "protected".

My late grandfather had a govt license until 1948 to distribute opium to three Southern provinces. Far safer than ya ba.