Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Immigration authorities in Chonburi, in cooperation with Pattaya police and local officials, have arrested two Nigerian men linked to a drug trafficking network. During the operation during the early hours of 29 October 2025 in Jomtien, one suspect attempted to swallow cocaine to destroy evidence, prompting officers to forcibly recover the drugs. Authorities seized a total of 33 grams of methamphetamine and 9 grams of cocaine concealed in cigarette packets and toothpaste boxes.

 

The arrests involved 38-year-old Amarachi Chinonye Amechi and 22-year-old Ikenna Martin Nwobodo, both who had entered Thailand on 60-day tourist visas during 2024 but overstayed. Initial investigations revealed that Amarachi was selling methamphetamine and Nwobodo had supplied him with the drugs. A female Thai accomplice was also found in a room search with additional methamphetamine and cocaine was hidden in tape-wrapped blocks inside rubber gloves in toothpaste boxes.

 

Authorities linked the suspects to a broader network of African agents operating in Bangkok’s Nana area, known for using similar concealment tactics, such as holding drugs in the mouth during inspections. The operation follows wider efforts by the Thai government and Immigration Bureau to target foreign criminals involved in narcotics and other cross-border offences.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Chonburi Immigration Bureau, confirmed the arrests and emphasised ongoing action against organised foreign crime in tourist areas. Officials have noted the risk such networks pose to public safety and the integrity of Thailand’s tourism industry. All suspects have been handed to Pattaya police for prosecution on charges including possession of Category 1 drugs with intent to sell and overstaying their visas.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two Nigerian men arrested in Pattaya for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine.

• Cocaine concealed in tape-wrapped blocks and swallowed by a suspect during arrest.

• The suspects are linked to a larger network operating in Bangkok’s Nana area.

 

Related Stories

 

Police-bust-‘black-shadow-nana’-drug-gang-in-Bangkok

 

Drug-raid-at-Bangkok-nightclub-nets-Nigerian-dealer

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 2025-10-30

 

 

 

 

Perhaps the applications for Tourist Visas from Nigeria need more scrutiny. Haven't we also had a lot of them arrested in lower Sukhumvut in Bangkok? 

Nigerian Mafia like the Chinese or Korean Mafia or Ukrainian Mafias are harmful and bad for any country. 

Great, now just go get the hispanic on Beach rd. that wants to sell me cocaina every time I go

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Immigration authorities in Chonburi, in cooperation with Pattaya police and local officials, have arrested two Nigerian men linked to a drug trafficking

 

Wait till thai authorities get an email from their rich uncle back home.

 

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Perhaps the applications for Tourist Visas from Nigeria need more scrutiny. Haven't we also had a lot of them arrested in lower Sukhumvut in Bangkok? 

Corner of Soi Nana (4) and Suk.  My son and I used to spot them whilst having a coffee locally.

In Lao they took care of this around ten years ago.  Used to be you went to the Thai embassy in Vientiane for a visa and there was no shortage of people from Africa.  Then suddenly they were all gone.  ALL gone.  There was a cafe near the river that was their hang out {Mango Tree was it?), then not a one.  I have no idea how they handled it, but it certainly was thorough.

I've had a few bruddas try to hustle me in Bkk, in lower Suk and once in Siam Paragon, when the guy called me a racist for not falling for it -- I laughed.  These guys will perform the same kind of "I need money to get my money" con right in front of you, real time.

 

Speaking of lower Suk shenanigans, there used to be an Arab lad who would stand on a street corner and stop farang, telling them he has no Thai money, doesn't know what it looks like, doesn't know how to get any.  So one time he laid it on me, and I pulled out a 100b note.  I told him this is 100 baht, it is the same as $100 Us dollars: give to me $100 and I give you the 100 baht. He couldn't have gotten away from me quicker if he used a transporter beam.

 

 

On 10/30/2025 at 4:47 AM, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 

 

Immigration authorities in Chonburi, in cooperation with Pattaya police and local officials, have arrested two Nigerian men linked to a drug trafficking network. During the operation during the early hours of 29 October 2025 in Jomtien, one suspect attempted to swallow cocaine to destroy evidence, prompting officers to forcibly recover the drugs. Authorities seized a total of 33 grams of methamphetamine and 9 grams of cocaine concealed in cigarette packets and toothpaste boxes.

 

The arrests involved 38-year-old Amarachi Chinonye Amechi and 22-year-old Ikenna Martin Nwobodo, both who had entered Thailand on 60-day tourist visas during 2024 but overstayed. Initial investigations revealed that Amarachi was selling methamphetamine and Nwobodo had supplied him with the drugs. A female Thai accomplice was also found in a room search with additional methamphetamine and cocaine was hidden in tape-wrapped blocks inside rubber gloves in toothpaste boxes.

 

Authorities linked the suspects to a broader network of African agents operating in Bangkok’s Nana area, known for using similar concealment tactics, such as holding drugs in the mouth during inspections. The operation follows wider efforts by the Thai government and Immigration Bureau to target foreign criminals involved in narcotics and other cross-border offences.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Chonburi Immigration Bureau, confirmed the arrests and emphasised ongoing action against organised foreign crime in tourist areas. Officials have noted the risk such networks pose to public safety and the integrity of Thailand’s tourism industry. All suspects have been handed to Pattaya police for prosecution on charges including possession of Category 1 drugs with intent to sell and overstaying their visas.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two Nigerian men arrested in Pattaya for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine.

• Cocaine concealed in tape-wrapped blocks and swallowed by a suspect during arrest.

• The suspects are linked to a larger network operating in Bangkok’s Nana area.

 

Related Stories

 

Police-bust-‘black-shadow-nana’-drug-gang-in-Bangkok

 

Drug-raid-at-Bangkok-nightclub-nets-Nigerian-dealer

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from พัทยา จุดเกิดเหตุ 2025-10-30

 

 

 

 

Thanks RTP 👍

Looks like the BIB  higher ups have decided enough is enough and are having a clear up...at least for a while.

You do not want to discriminate on color or race, but obviously the Africans do stand out against the general Thai Population, as do Caucasians for that matter.  From a statistical point of view the percentage number of Africans financially able to support themselves properly according to Thailand Visa rules is probably quite a bit less than most foreign tourists.  Just the nature of the countries involved.  A routine or more frequent check of passport and visa validities should be done (copies on person should be sufficient along with the visa stamped pages).  Might deter the open and obvious suspicious looking activity that almost anybody can plainly see as many have noted.  

20 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Looks like the BIB  higher ups have decided enough is enough and are having a clear up...at least for a while.

One hopes so, time the RTP went under-cover every night on every corner and cleaned up for good.

Nigerian eh? What a surprise 🤣

Nice

Visa rules are too lax for them, nasty ppl.

Every other day some foreigners being arrested for drug smuggling or dealing, few live tv executions to return the fear back to these crimes. People used to fear Thailands strict punishment but it's gotten weak and people don't care anymore

How do they afford to buy it in the first place, do they know a Prince over there with 100 million dollars?

Never used to see Nigerians in Pattaya.

Now, they are making their way down here from BKK as they get run out of town.  Pattaya, the last refuge for the world's miscreants.

Pattaya is a party city and cocaine is a party drug.

Everytime I have scored from them the quality has been pretty good to be fair.

8 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Pattaya is a party city and cocaine is a party drug.

Everytime I have scored from them the quality has been pretty good to be fair.

Ahh you're a drug addict, that explains a lot. Keep it up!

They should stay in BKK where they fit in with many others. Pattaya isn’t really known for the Nigerian, or Jamaican men so much easier to identify and keep an eye on them. I do see more and more coconut ladies who are from these areas. Guess if they can’t make it in BKK they head to Pattaya. 

On 10/30/2025 at 6:08 AM, Slowhand225 said:

Great, now just go get the hispanic on Beach rd. that wants to sell me cocaina every time I go

I can't recall ever seeing a Mexican in Thailand??

On 10/30/2025 at 5:50 AM, jacko45k said:

Perhaps the applications for Tourist Visas from Nigeria need more scrutiny. Haven't we also had a lot of them arrested in lower Sukhumvut in Bangkok? 

Nigerian's Russians, Ukraine, israel, chinese and lebanese to name a few

Indians can continue to buy gold and fight ladyboys 

So, who supplied their drugs...or is that too close to home.

5 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

Visa rules are too lax for them, nasty ppl.

How much more strict could they be...

 

"To get a Thai tourist visa, Nigerian citizens need a passport valid for at least six months, a completed application form, passport photos, proof of financial stability, a confirmed travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. An additional requirement is a Clearance Certificate from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria, certified by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja. All applicants must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. 

 

Required documents

• Passport: Original passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival and at least two blank pages.
• Application Form: One completed visa application form and three additional copies.
• Photographs: Four recent passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months).
• NDLEA Clearance: A Clearance Certificate from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which must be certified by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja.
• Financial Proof: A recent bank statement showing a minimum of $700 per person (or $2,000 per family) over the last three months, with the applicant's name and date.
• Travel Itinerary: A confirmed flight itinerary including your name, travel dates, and flight numbers.
• Accommodation Proof: Details of your hotel booking or an invitation letter from family or friends in Thailand.
• Interview: Applicants are required to attend an interview after submitting their application. 

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

How much more strict could they be...

 

"To get a Thai tourist visa, Nigerian citizens need a passport valid for at least six months, a completed application form, passport photos, proof of financial stability, a confirmed travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. An additional requirement is a Clearance Certificate from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria, certified by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja. All applicants must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. 

 

Required documents

• Passport: Original passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival and at least two blank pages.
• Application Form: One completed visa application form and three additional copies.
• Photographs: Four recent passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months).
• NDLEA Clearance: A Clearance Certificate from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which must be certified by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja.
• Financial Proof: A recent bank statement showing a minimum of $700 per person (or $2,000 per family) over the last three months, with the applicant's name and date.
• Travel Itinerary: A confirmed flight itinerary including your name, travel dates, and flight numbers.
• Accommodation Proof: Details of your hotel booking or an invitation letter from family or friends in Thailand.
• Interview: Applicants are required to attend an interview after submitting their application. 

Are you absolutely sure about this?

when I asked about my ex girlfriend ( Nigerian) coming here from Cabo Verde, I was told she was visa free. 
cut and paste from the email 

-

Nigerian citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Thailand.  Applicants are required to be present when applying for the Thailand Visa free. This tourist visa typically allows a short term stay.  The Thailand tourist visa remains valid for 6 months. A total of 3 documents are required to apply for the Thailand Visa free. Thailand Travel is free for Nigerian citizens

I find it interesting that the Thai authorities are only now really cracking down on this crime, both in Bangkok and Pattaya (and Phuket).  It's been going on for well over14-15 years.  I'm glad it's happening even though it doesn't affect me, except now I have a 23 year old son who lives in Eastern Bangkok.  It just takes that one time to not say 'no' and you can be hooked.

 

Thank you to our police force for these actions.

Meagre loot, poor sods.

4 hours ago, Free the 115 said:

5 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

How much more strict could they be...

 

"To get a Thai tourist visa, Nigerian citizens need a passport valid for at least six months, a completed application form, passport photos, proof of financial stability, a confirmed travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. An additional requirement is a Clearance Certificate from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Nigeria, certified by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja. All applicants must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. 

 

Required documents

• Passport: Original passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival and at least two blank pages.
• Application Form: One completed visa application form and three additional copies.
• Photographs: Four recent passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months).
• NDLEA Clearance: A Clearance Certificate from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which must be certified by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Abuja.
• Financial Proof: A recent bank statement showing a minimum of $700 per person (or $2,000 per family) over the last three months, with the applicant's name and date.
• Travel Itinerary: A confirmed flight itinerary including your name, travel dates, and flight numbers.
• Accommodation Proof: Details of your hotel booking or an invitation letter from family or friends in Thailand.
• Interview: Applicants are required to attend an interview after submitting their application. 

Expand  

Are you absolutely sure about this?

Yes, absolutely.   They can get an E-visa also.  They cannot enter visa-exempt.

On 10/30/2025 at 8:43 AM, mikebell said:

Corner of Soi Nana (4) and Suk.  My son and I used to spot them whilst having a coffee locally.

Shame you can't be an advisor for the Thai Police.  They can not see what is obvious to you, and many others.

When I first came to LOS in the 1970s the often-told tale was a Thai would sell you the stuff and then rat you out to BiB, who would then put the stuff back in circulation.

Perhaps the real crime BiB concern was that they disapproved of where these guys sourced their stuff.

Some might recall around 20 years ago when a certain PM had a "war on drugs" that the chatter claimed was about defending a certain monopoly.