Pattaya Cannabis Clinic Robbed by Foreign Gang
A cannabis clinic owner in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, has appealed to the public for help after a brazen theft in which foreign suspects made off with cannabis buds worth 160,000 baht (approximately $4,900 USD). The clinic owner is offering a cash reward for information leading to their arrest.
Chuanchom Panboon, 55, the owner of the clinic located on Soi Khao To Road in Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, recounted the ordeal to local media. According to Chuanchom, the incident unfolded over several days, beginning on July 4 when a group of foreigners, reportedly speaking Russian, arrived at his clinic in a blue Ford sedan.
The group expressed interest in purchasing 2 kilograms of high-grade, organic dried cannabis buds. After more than 30 minutes of negotiations, both parties agreed on a price of 160,000 baht. Trusting the deal was legitimate, Chuanchom prepared the cannabis and placed it on the counter while he stepped away briefly to retrieve sales documents.
Moments later, the group swiftly exited the clinic, jumped into their vehicle, and sped off without paying. Upon returning to the counter, Chuanchom discovered the 2 kilograms of cannabis were gone.
Security camera footage captured the entire incident. The video shows three foreign men entering the cannabis clinic at precisely 9:27 p.m. on July 9. At 9:57 p.m., the group is seen leaving in a hurry, with the last individual carrying a backpack believed to contain the stolen cannabis. They then fled the area in their blue Ford sedan, heading toward Soi Khao To.
Chuanchom promptly filed a report at Nong Prue Police Station and provided the CCTV evidence to authorities. He firmly believes the foreigners deliberately planned to steal from his clinic.
“I’m asking for public assistance. If anyone has seen these individuals and can provide information leading to the arrest of this Russian group, our clinic is prepared to offer a reward of 20,000 baht ($615),” Chuanchom stated.
The incident has sparked concern among Pattaya’s business community, particularly those in the cannabis industry, which has flourished in Thailand since the government legalized cannabis under specific regulations. Many local cannabis vendors now fear becoming targets for similar scams, especially from foreign visitors posing as customers.
Thai police have yet to confirm the identities of the suspects. However, investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and tracking leads to locate the individuals responsible.
This theft highlights potential vulnerabilities in the rapidly growing cannabis sector in Thailand, where high-value products are often handled in relatively open, walk-in retail environments. Clinic owners and dispensary operators are being advised to enhance security measures and remain cautious during large transactions, especially with unfamiliar customers.
As the investigation continues, Chuanchom hopes that sharing the story publicly will help bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further crimes against legitimate businesses in the area. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Nong Prue Police Station or the cannabis clinic directly.
