Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Authorities have arrested an Iranian national accused of illegally selling regulated medicines and unregistered drugs at a pharmacy in Patttaya, seizing a large quantity of counterfeit and unauthorised products. The arrest followed an undercover operation after complaints that a foreigner was dispensing medication without proper qualifications, raising concerns over public safety and legal compliance.

The suspect, identified as Mr Seyed Mohammadreza Hossini, 37, an Iranian national, was detained on 20 January. He was accused of selling drugs that must legally be dispensed only by a licensed pharmacist.

The operation was led by Pol Lt Col Prabda Suksunthri, chief of Tourist Police Sub-division 4, Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 1, together with Pol Lt Col Phawit Chimphalee and Pol Lt Col Apichat Jarurak from Pattaya Tourist Police. They were joined by Mr Jirasan Meeratthanawat, a senior professional pharmacist from the Chonburi Provincial Public Health Office, along with police and pharmaceutical officials.

Authorities said the investigation began after reports that a foreign national was working and dispensing medicine inside the pharmacy. An undercover officer was sent to purchase an anti-inflammatory painkiller, Gofen 400 grams, which is classified as a drug requiring dispensing by a pharmacist. Officials stated that Mr Hossini personally sold the drug to the undercover officer for 95 baht. After confirming the transaction, officers moved in and arrested him at the scene.

A search of the premises uncovered additional medicines not registered in Thailand, described as counterfeit products, including herbal pain relief medicines. Officers also seized one box of Lovegra, similar to Viagra, along with other unregistered items, all of which were taken as evidence.

Further checks revealed that the pharmacy’s drug sales licence was issued to Lioran Co., Ltd. The licence named Ms Nan, Mr Hossini’s wife, as the operator and the pharmacist legally responsible for dispensing medicines.During questioning, Mr Hossini confessed to selling medicines on behalf of his wife, who is a licensed pharmacist and the owner of the pharmacy. He was taken into custody for further investigation.

Khoasod reported that police have charged him with multiple offences, including working as a foreigner beyond permitted rights, producing, selling or importing unregistered medicines, impersonating a licensed pharmacist without registration or authorisation, and producing, importing or selling unregistered herbal products. He has been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• An Iranian man was arrested in Pattaya for illegally dispensing regulated and unregistered medicines.

• Authorities seized counterfeit drugs and confirmed the pharmacy licence was held by his wife, a pharmacist.

• The suspect faces multiple charges under Thai labour, pharmaceutical, and herbal product laws.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-21

 

 

He was pushing his luck doing such a public illegal thing here, for sure he would get bubbled by somebody quite quickly,

He must be praying he doesn't get deported back home.

& his wife gets done for what - can't be arsed turning up for work?

On 1/21/2026 at 6:11 AM, jacko45k said:

He was pushing his luck doing such a public illegal thing here, for sure he would get bubbled by somebody quite quickly,

He's gonna find life back home a tad different if he gets deported.

Pharmacy license in someone's name but someone else in working and taking hand of the pharmacy in not normal in Thailand but very, very normal!

He’s knows what he’s doing is illegal and trying to lay some of the blame on his wife is a pathetic cheap shot. You have to wonder what he sold, and to who, when he became known about on the grapevine.

I can't even be biased against the Iranian...GOFEN is sold over the counter for muscle pain, women's period pain, and headache, etc. Same as paracetamol, you buy it without a doctor's prescription because it's not needed. IDK about his other charges, but gofen is not a Rx med, except here.

If he can't produce a work permit then boot him outta the Kingdom.

Nobody ought not be putting them damn drugs into their bloodstream!

What he thinking that he can just dispense controlled medicine willy nilly and no one will take notice of it?

not a very smart Iranian.

On 1/21/2026 at 10:12 AM, phil2407 said:

& his wife gets done for what - can't be arsed turning up for work?

Yes, and gets to keep a new pharmacy for herself. Thanks for playing. 🙂

On 1/23/2026 at 12:37 AM, ezzra said:

What he thinking that he can just dispense controlled medicine willy nilly and no one will take notice of it?

not a very smart Iranian.

None of it would have happened if the wife was and work and he was just sitting there having a coffee.