Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Traffic police in Bangkok’s Wang Thonglang district have arrested three Vietnamese men after discovering firearms and illegal drugs during a drink-driving checkpoint, raising concerns about serious criminal activity on city roads. The suspects were taken into custody along with the weapons and narcotics and are now facing legal proceedings.

The arrests took place on 17 January 2026 at 1.40pm during a traffic operation led by Pol Lt Col Sueb­sak Phansueb, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic at Wang Thonglang Police Station. Officers were conducting alcohol breath tests outside a petrol station on Pracha Uthit Road in Phlapphla subdistrict, Wang Thonglang district, Bangkok. A yellow BMW without a front licence plate approached from the Meng Jai intersection and drew police attention due to suspicious behaviour of the occupants.

Police signalled the vehicle to stop and identified three male occupants, all Vietnamese nationals. A search of the car uncovered a .38 calibre handgun loaded with six rounds, hidden inside the glove box vehicle, along with nine grams of crystal methamphetamine concealed in the centre console. Officers also found a .32 calibre handgun loaded with three rounds on one of the men, as well as two bags of methamphetamine tablets containing a total of 250 pills.

Further inspection revealed additional narcotics inside a brown handheld bag located in the car’s boot. These included two large bags, two medium bags, and nine small bags of ketamine. All items were seized as evidence and the suspects were immediately detained at the scene.

According to police, the checkpoint was part of routine traffic enforcement targeting drink-driving and general road safety. However, the discovery of firearms and drugs significantly escalated the situation, prompting the involvement of the station’s investigative unit. Officers are now expanding their inquiry to determine whether the suspects are linked to other criminal networks or organised crime groups.

The suspects, along with all seized evidence, have been handed over to investigators at Wang Thonglang Police Station. Legal proceedings are under way, with charges expected to include illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and controlled substances. Police have not released further details about the suspects’ identities or immigration status at this stage.

Khoasod reported that authorities said investigations will continue to trace the origin of the weapons and drugs. Further arrests may follow if links to wider criminal activity are confirmed.

Key Takeaways

• Three Vietnamese men were arrested at a drink-driving checkpoint in Wang Thonglang on 17 January 2026.

• Police seized two loaded handguns and multiple types of illegal drugs from their vehicle.

• Investigators are expanding the case to assess possible links to wider criminal networks.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-18

 

 

A yellow BMW without a front licence plate approached from the Meng Jai intersection and drew police attention due to suspicious behaviour of the occupants.

A yellow Beamer... that's gonna get a lot of attention.

Really if you are going to get in to that sort of activity at least adopt a low profile

“Officers are now expanding their inquiry to determine whether the suspects are linked to other criminal networks or organised crime groups.”

I would be very surprised if they were not part of some kind of gang

Forgot the dope. Concentrate on the guns and their source. Guns are destabilising Thai society. We do not want to become the US. Nothing to defend ourselves against!