Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

Police launched a crackdown on the drug network linked to drug leader “Tuk Bang Sai” on 28 November, conducting simultaneous raids across three eastern provinces and triggering a fatal standoff involving one of the group’s senior members. The sweeping operation saw officers surround a residence in Rayong, where a key associate took his own life as police closed in. The incident set off further searches, including the discovery of drugs and financial records inside a Pattaya condominium.

 

The raids were carried out by investigators from Provincial Police Region 2 in cooperation with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 2. Officers executed search and arrest operations across nine target locations in Chon Buri, Chachoengsao and Rayong, detaining five suspects wanted under warrants issued by Rayong Provincial Court. Those arrested face charges including money laundering, drug distribution and conspiracy, with authorities also seizing high-value assets estimated at more than 90 million baht.

 

In the afternoon, police moved to arrest 32-year-old Natthapong “It” Jaemsuthee, described as the right-hand man of “Tuk Bang Sai,” at a house in Ban Chang district, Rayong. As officers surrounded the property, the suspect reportedly became overwhelmed with stress and used a 9mm handgun to shoot himself in the left temple, dying at the scene. Police say initial evidence suggests he acted out of panic and fear of imminent arrest.

 

A search of his vehicle uncovered a keycard for a condominium in Pattaya, prompting senior officers, including Pol Lt Gen Chatchai Surachetphong, Pol Maj Gen Chokchai Ngamwong, Pol Maj Gen Kriatsak Satrathongoi and ONCB official Suradech Latehsan, to lead a team of more than 20 personnel to inspect the unit. They arrived to find the room empty but recently occupied, with cold air-conditioning running and a full meal laid out on the table. A hair straightener left beside the sofa was still hot, indicating a hasty departure.

 

Inside a wardrobe, officers discovered two small bags of crystal methamphetamine and drug-taking equipment stored in a red 20-inch wheeled suitcase. Four bank books belonging to a woman, matching the name on the rental contract, were located in a drawer and seized as evidence. CCTV footage later showed the deceased suspect visiting the unit on 17 November and leaving in the early hours of 18 November, while the female tenant was seen hurriedly removing belongings and fleeing less than two hours after the man’s suicide.

 

Daily News reported that authorities are now analysing financial records and identifying associates believed to be linked to the wider drug distribution network. Investigators from Region 2 and the ONCB say this information may support a broader inquiry into the operations of “Tuk Bang Sai,” regarded as a major drug figure in the eastern region. Further arrests and asset seizures are expected as the investigation continues.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Police raided nine locations linked to “Tuk Bang Sai,” arresting five suspects and seizing over 90 million baht in assets.

• A key associate fatally shot himself during a police standoff in Rayong on 28 November.

• Evidence from a Pattaya condo is being used to expand the investigation into the wider drug network.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-11-29

 

 

used a 9mm handgun to shoot himself

 

Excellent news, wish the others could do the same 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

As officers surrounded the property, the suspect reportedly became overwhelmed with stress and used a 9mm handgun to shoot himself in the left temple, dying at the scene.

Oh dear never mind...

 

 

Quote

 

the suspect reportedly became overwhelmed with stress and used a 9mm handgun to shoot himself in the left temple,

 

Kind of, he had a phone conversation with the police officer at the scene discussing the terms of the warrant, he asked for his brother and mother to join the call, then apologized to all as he saw no way out, and popped himself in the head.

 

There was about 20 armed SWAT members there and about another 10 local police, big drama in quiet Ban Chang!!