Task Force Targets Korean Workers Drug Networks

Thailand’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) has joined forces with job placement agencies and South Korean authorities to crack down on drug trafficking networks operating among undocumented Thai workers. Officials announced the formation of a joint task force aimed at intercepting narcotics at the source, dismantling transnational criminal groups and restoring confidence in Thai workers travelling abroad.

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The measures were outlined during a meeting on May 11, 2026, attended by Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, and Mr. Kanisorn Phapirannon, Director of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. Representatives from South Korea, the EPS (HRD Korea) Centre in Thailand, the Thai Overseas Employment Administration Division and Suvarnabhumi Airport Immigration Checkpoint also attended.

Mr. Kanisorn said more than 100,000 Thai workers are currently in South Korea, including around 34,000 legal workers and between 150,000 and 160,000 undocumented workers. He reported that South Korean authorities seized more than 2 million methamphetamine pills and over 200 kilogrammes of crystal meth in 2024, with more than 70% allegedly smuggled through Thailand.

Officials also warned of a growing tactic involving undocumented workers using legal workers to open so-called “mock accounts” and “mock SIM cards” to conduct illegal financial transactions linked to narcotics trafficking. Authorities said these methods are increasingly being used by organised crime networks operating across borders.

Pol. Col. Suriya stated that the Department of Employment is considering introducing drug testing as part of health checks for E-9 visa applicants heading to South Korea. The ONCB will also deploy testing teams and officers to carry out random drug tests during pre-departure training sessions and at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Authorities said screening procedures for passengers and baggage will be intensified on routes to South Korea, Japan and Israel. Any traveller found involved in wrongdoing on the day of departure will be immediately prevented from travelling and could face criminal prosecution.

The meeting also agreed to establish a trilateral task force involving the ONCB, Department of Employment and Immigration Bureau to analyse databases of visa overstayers. Officials will coordinate with Thai labour volunteer networks in South Korea to strengthen intelligence sharing and monitoring efforts.

Thaitabloid reported that the Thai government said all measures are intended to ensure workers travelling to South Korea are qualified and drug-free, while maintaining Thailand’s international image. Authorities stressed that the new measures will not affect eligibility requirements for E-9 visas, and the ONCB will immediately begin random inspections and educational workshops for workers.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 13 May 2026

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