Pattaya police have arrested three Chinese nationals and a Thai woman after early-morning raids allegedly uncovered a network preparing "Pot K" vape products for sale, along with methamphetamine and packaging equipment.

The four suspects were detained after police searched two condominium locations at 5am on 22 August 2026.

The operation was carried out by the Pattaya City Police Station narcotics suppression team under the government's drug-prevention and enforcement policy.

Police identified those arrested as Kun Chen, 39; Wichada, also known as Baiphak, Khumkan, 33; Wei Zhang, 32; and Meiling Zhou, 28. Three are Chinese nationals and one is a Thai woman.

Two Pattaya condominium raids

The raids took place at condominiums near Soi Boon Kanjana 5 and Soi Thappraya 9. The operation was overseen by Chonburi provincial police commander Major General Pongphan Wongmanithet.

Also involved were Colonel Kulchat Kulchai and Colonel Wasurat Chaitheerapat, deputy provincial police commanders, and Colonel Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, together with investigation officers.

The search team was led by Police Captain Phubet Ruamsap, deputy inspector with Pattaya police investigators.

Police said they found a large quantity of Pot K pod heads and related items, including mixing liquid, digital scales, packing bags, pod-head packaging, scent-identification stickers, and equipment used to mix and prepare products.

Officers also seized 21 methamphetamine tablets, about 11.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 13,000 baht in cash and the suspects' mobile phones. Further equipment allegedly linked to dividing and packaging drugs was also recovered.

Charges and visa issue

Police have initially brought charges connected to the sale of Pot K pods, offences involving e-cigarettes and customs law, as well as drug-related offences.

One of the Chinese suspects was also found to have an expired permission to stay in Thailand. Meiling Zhou tested positive for methamphetamine and was charged with consuming a Category 1 narcotic in breach of the law.

Investigation continues

All four suspects and the seized items were handed to Pattaya City Police Station investigators for legal proceedings.

Police said they will expand the investigation to establish the origin of the Pot K products and drugs, identify any additional people linked to the network, and determine where products may have been distributed.

Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง

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23 August 2026

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