Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

 

Thai authorities announced of 25 November they have arrested two Japanese nationals and seized assets in an international operation targeting a transnational crime network linked to the Yakuza. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) confirmed the arrests took place in Bangkok on 22 November 2025, forming part of a wider effort to disrupt drug trafficking operations using Thailand as a base. The operation marks a significant step in the government’s drive to cut off financial networks and halt the movement of narcotics across borders.

 

The crackdown follows a directive from the Thai government urging security agencies to step up efforts against drug smuggling and cross-border criminal networks. Authorities highlighted the importance of international cooperation and asset seizure measures to dismantle financial systems supporting drug organisations. The immediate impact included the confiscation and freezing of 19 items of property linked to the suspects’ alleged activities, including vehicles, electronic devices, bank books and cash in both yen and baht.

 

The ONCB Secretary-General, Police Lieutenant General Suriya Singhakamol, revealed that the operation involved cooperation with the Security Maintenance Centre, the Naval Special Warfare Command and related agencies. The arrests stemmed from intelligence shared in September 2025 by Pruen Mekhanan, Director of ONCB Bangkok, who had participated in an international collaboration meeting focused on tracking Yakuza drug networks. Intelligence indicated that a Japanese Yakuza-linked group was connected to drug dealers in Thailand and was smuggling narcotics for distribution in South Korea.

 

Investigations had been underway since June 2025, monitoring suspected cross-border criminal activity tied to drug trafficking and the export of cannabis. Authorities identified key areas of movement in Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket, leading to the pursuit of major suspects under the direction of Kanisorn Phapeeranon, Director of the ONCB Suppression Division. Two Japanese suspects were arrested in Bangkok, one near a hotel in Lak Si and the other inside a condominium in the Rama III area.

 

On 23 November 2025, officers conducted a search at a residence in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, as part of the investigation’s expansion. No illegal drugs were found at the property, but assets linked to the alleged offences were seized, totalling approximately 2,000,000 baht. Cross-border information sharing later confirmed that the two arrested suspects were connected to a South Korean national believed to be involved in financial operations and joint command within the network.

 

Thaitabloid reported that authorities stated that the South Korean individual remains under investigation and efforts are ongoing to trace financial routes and expand the case. The cooperation between Thailand, Japan and South Korea is expected to continue as agencies pursue further suspects and evidence. The ONCB indicated that the next phase will focus on dismantling the broader financial infrastructure supporting the network.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Two Japanese suspects were arrested in Bangkok on 22 November 2025 during an international drug suppression operation.

• Authorities seized 19 assets linked to the alleged offences.

• Investigations are ongoing into a connected South Korean suspect involved in financial and operational roles.

 

 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Thaitabloid 2025-11-26

 

Ooooh, that evil weed and no taxes!!!

It's like dealing with a house invasion of rats, they never stop coming and you never stop trapping them..

4 hours ago, Tailwagsdog said:

It's like dealing with a house invasion of rats, they never stop coming and you never stop trapping them..

Unless you cut-off the food source.

On 11/26/2025 at 12:16 PM, unblocktheplanet said:

Ooooh, that evil weed and no taxes!!!

That's why  street drugs are illegal the Govment Can't Tax them.

The drugs that are Legal like Alcohol and cigarettes bought from a shop   and drugs from the Chemists they are Loaded with a Tax.