Police Arrest Two Women for Drug Crimes on Koh Phangan

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Police have arrested two women for selling illegal drugs to tourists during the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, according to provincial authorities. The arrests form part of a targeted crackdown aimed at reducing narcotics circulation at one of Thailand’s most prominent tourist events. Police said the operation was designed to limit both local and foreign involvement in drug offences.

The arrests were announced on 30 January 2026 by Surat Thani provincial police. According to police statements, the operation took place at the forward operations centre of the Surat Thani Provincial Police Investigation Division in Moo 6, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Koh Phangan district. The operation was ordered by Surat Thani provincial police chief Maj. Gen. Suwat Suksri, together with senior provincial and local commanders.

Police said the enforcement action followed heightened concern over drug trafficking linked to large-scale tourism events. Koh Phangan is a major international destination, with the Full Moon Party drawing large numbers of foreign visitors each month. Authorities said the focus was on preventing drug transactions between Thai nationals and foreign tourists, as well as among foreigners and local residents.

Pol. Lt. Col. Charoenchai Boonkliang of the provincial investigation unit led the special operations team responsible for the arrests. He said Maj. Gen. Suwat had emphasised strict enforcement of narcotics laws on Koh Phangan, particularly during periods of increased tourist activity. The operation was conducted in line with national police policy and directives from Region 8 Provincial Police.

The first suspect, identified as Prakaiporn “If” Anupradit, aged 31 and from Udon Thani province, was arrested outside a house in Ban Tai subdistrict. Police seized 0.05 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 16 methamphetamine tablets. She confessed to the offences and was transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan police station, where she was charged with illegal possession of Category 1 narcotics, illegal drug use, and driving under the influence of methamphetamine.

The second suspect, Wanvisak “Phueng” Pengcharoen, aged 28 and a Koh Phangan resident, was arrested at an unnumbered hut in Moo 2 of the same subdistrict. Officers seized 1.21 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 56 methamphetamine tablets. She confessed and was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics for sale, drug trafficking causing the spread of narcotics among the public, illegal possession of crystal methamphetamine, and illegal drug use.

Khoasod reported that police said investigations will continue as part of broader efforts to suppress narcotics, illegal weapons, explosives, influential figures and all forms of crime in the province. Authorities have indicated that further operations may be carried out during upcoming Full Moon Party events. Suspects will proceed through the legal process under Thai law.

Key Takeaways

• Two women were arrested on Koh Phangan for drug offences linked to the Full Moon Party.

• Police seized crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine tablets from both suspects.

• The operation followed national and regional police directives targeting narcotics in tourist areas.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-31