A 35-year-old Chinese national has been arrested in Pattaya for allegedly selling laughing gas and illegal substances online, with police also seizing an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and drug-related items during a raid on his property. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place on 12 March after officers from the Immigration Bureau Region 3 investigation unit tracked a suspected online operation distributing nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to young customers in Pattaya. Authorities said the suspect, identified as Mr. Yuanjie, had been advertising the products openly on Facebook and Instagram. According to Pol Col Parinya Klinkesorn, spokesperson for Immigration Bureau Region 3, the operation followed directives from Immigration Bureau chief Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak and other senior officers to intensify investigations into illegal activities involving foreign nationals. Investigators, led by Pol Col Suriya Phuangsomboon, conducted surveillance after receiving information from an informant that the suspect was selling drugs and nitrous oxide through online platforms. Officers traced the distribution point to a two-storey house in Soi Ko Phai 9/2 in Pattaya, which appeared unusually quiet and was believed to be used as a storage and dispatch location. Picture courtesy of Matichon Police then organised an undercover purchase, ordering one tank of nitrous oxide for 2,400 baht. Shortly afterwards, a motorcycle arrived at the property and the suspect emerged from the house carrying a box containing one tank of the gas. Immigration officers immediately identified themselves and detained the suspect before conducting a search of the residence. During the search, officers reportedly seized a .38 calibre Taurus handgun, 74 rounds of ammunition of various sizes, 30 “pot-K” vape cartridges and 17 tanks of nitrous oxide. Authorities stated that the cartridges contained etomidate, classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law. During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of all the seized items. Police have filed charges including selling a medical substance, without authorisation (nitrous oxide), illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession and distribution of a Category 2 narcotic (etomidate / pot-K) without permission. Matichon reported that the suspect and all seized evidence were transferred to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities said the investigation will continue to identify and pursue other individuals involved in the operation both within Thailand and abroad. Related stories Chinese-national-held-over-500-laughing-gas-canisters Police-bust-laughing-gas-network-arrest-five-Chinese Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 13 Mar 2026
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