Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested after police uncovered a suspected drug precursor operation at a pool villa in Pattaya, with large quantities of chemicals and extraction equipment seized. The raid took place at 5pm on 13 February 2026 at a property in Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. One suspect was injured after jumping from a second-floor window in an apparent attempt to flee.

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Pol Col Sarawut Nuchanart, superintendent of Bang Lamung Police Station, led the operation alongside Pol Lt Col Suphawat Lattapreecha, Pol Lt Col Yongyut Wanneua, Pol Capt Kittipat Hongchuawet of Chonburi Immigration, special operations officers, Pattaya Tourist Police and local administrative officials. The search followed complaints from a village headman that chemicals were being illegally discharged into a nearby stream.

Inside the two-storey pool villa at 74/1 Moo 2, officers found four chemical extraction machines positioned in the centre of the house. More than 50 blue canisters and drums containing chemicals were discovered throughout the property. Preliminary tests using equipment from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) indicated positive results for substances linked to crystal methamphetamine and ketamine.

The two occupants were identified as Xu Yunlong, 41 and Xu Tianlong, 32. When officers entered, Xu Yunlong jumped from a window approximately five metres high, suffering a broken leg, while the second suspect was detained at the scene. Rescue workers transported the injured man to hospital.

During questioning, both men claimed they were hired workers earning 40,000 baht per month to guard the house and mix chemicals according to instructions before sealing them in drums. They said that once five or six drums were ready, an older Thai man would collect them and that they had worked there for two months. They denied knowing the substances were connected to narcotics.

Later that evening, Sarawut Phakdee, director of ONCB Region 2, ordered Suradej Latehsan, director of the Law Enforcement Division, to lead officers in a detailed forensic examination alongside Forensic Science Centre 2. Tests confirmed that the drums contained methamphetamine, white powder in silver sacks was a precursor for ecstasy production and another white powder was a Category 2 psychotropic substance. Additional containers held mixed chemicals used in producing drug precursors.

Authorities have seized all narcotics, precursor chemicals and the four extraction machines as evidence. Police believe the operation is linked to a major “grey Chinese” narcotics network, noting the substances could be adapted to produce various drugs including liquid ketamine for vaping pods and so-called “happy water” circulating in nightlife areas. Officers are now working with ONCB Region 2 to expand the investigation into supply routes, production sources and those directing the network.

Key Takeaways

• Two Chinese men were arrested after chemicals and drug precursors were seized from a Pattaya villa on 13 February 2026.

• Forensic tests confirmed methamphetamine, ecstasy precursors and a Category 2 psychotropic substance among the materials found.

• Police believe the case is linked to a large “grey Chinese” drug network and are expanding the investigation.

Join the discussion?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamChon 14 Feb 2026

Are the 3.5 million tourists we get from China worth all this criminal activity? Is it so much easier for them here?

52 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

they had worked there for two months.

On a 60-day visa-exempt entry no doubt.

Quality chinese tourists that they worship here in Thailand. After all many in power do have chinese descent.

13 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

Quality chinese tourists that they worship here in Thailand. After all many in power do have chinese descent.

11–14% of the population, are of Chinese descent,A majority of parliament members have at least some Chinese ancestry