Police Bust Laughing Gas Network, Arrest Five Chinese

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

Police reported on 28 January that they have dismantled a large illegal laughing gas network in Bangkok, arresting five Chinese nationals and seizing 1,770 cylinders worth more than 3.5 million baht. The raids were carried out at three locations in the Ramkhamhaeng area on January 23, 2026, following a months-long investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and partner agencies. Authorities said the operation disrupted a supply chain linked to online sales and nightlife venues.

The operation was led by the Economic Crime Suppression Division under the CIB, with support from the Customs Department and the Food and Drug Administration. Police searched three houses in the same housing estate in Wang Thonglang district, Bangkok, under warrants issued by the Central Tax Court. Officers found 950 cylinders at the first location, 620 at the second and 200 at the third, all containing nitrous oxide.

Those arrested were Mr Zheng Xiayan, 37; Ms Qiu Jinzhen, 28; Mr Qian Chunfeng, 36; Mr Xu Hui, 36; and Ms Luo Yuanyuan, 25, all Chinese nationals. They were charged under the Customs Act 2017 for possessing and distributing goods illegally imported into Thailand, and under the Food Act 1979 for importing food products for sale without permission. Penalties include prison terms of up to five years and fines of up to four times the value of the goods.

Investigators said the group acted as warehouse keepers, storing the gas and awaiting instructions from an unidentified Chinese organiser. Communication was allegedly conducted via WhatsApp, though police said they did not believe claims that the suspects did not know the organiser personally. Some suspects denied the charges, while others admitted storing the imported gas in exchange for monthly payments of about 25,000 baht.

Police said the case followed earlier arrests beginning in August 2025, when officers carried out controlled purchases and seized more than 50 cylinders from a vehicle. Subsequent searches in Huai Khwang and other Bangkok districts uncovered additional stockpiles and sellers, including Thai and Vietnamese nationals. Surveillance of private courier deliveries later led investigators to the Ramkhamhaeng locations.

Naewna reported that authorities warned that nitrous oxide, often misused by inhalation through balloons for recreational effects, poses serious health risks. Police said excessive or repeated inhalation can displace oxygen in the lungs, damage the nervous system, and in severe cases lead to loss of consciousness or death. The CIB said it will continue proactive enforcement to prevent illegal imports and protect public safety.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized 1,770 nitrous oxide cylinders worth over 3.5 million baht from three Bangkok locations.

• Five Chinese nationals were arrested and charged under customs and food safety laws.

• Authorities warned of severe health risks from recreational misuse of laughing gas.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2026-01-29