PATTAYA, Thailand – — Police officers conducting a narcotics crackdown in Pattaya’s Jomtien Soi 2 and 3 were shocked to discover a 13-year-old boy involved in drug dealing alongside a well-known repeat offender, in a case that underscores the deepening drug crisis in the area.
Acting on orders from senior officers of the Chonburi Provincial Police, anti-narcotics teams moved in on the Jomtien neighborhood, notorious for open drug activity. During the operation, officers arrested 39-year-old Ms. Bang-on, also known by the alias “Krathin,” a repeat drug offender. A search revealed 78 methamphetamine pills and 0.75 grams of crystal methamphetamine in her possession.
More disturbing, however, was the discovery of a teenage boy acting suspiciously at the scene. Upon questioning, the 13-year-old boy confessed to carrying seven meth pills and 2.9 grams of crystal meth, prompting serious concern from authorities over the involvement of minors in the narcotics trade.
Investigations further revealed that Bang-on, who had been arrested six times previously, had recently cut off her Electronic Monitoring (EM) bracelet — a condition of her repeated bail releases — in order to resume drug dealing without surveillance. She reportedly admitted to police that she had no fear of being re-arrested, highlighting a troubling pattern of defiance against the justice system.
Police later raided a nearby residence connected to the suspect, where they recovered the discarded EM bracelet. Several additional individuals were detained after testing positive for drug use and are now being referred for mandatory drug rehabilitation.
Authorities have also reviewed video evidence submitted by concerned local residents, showing open drug sales occurring in the neighborhood. These reports support police claims that the Jomtien Soi 2 and 3 area has become a hub for illicit drug activity.
Police officials have pledged to intensify enforcement in the area. “We are deeply concerned not only by the drug circulation but especially by the exploitation and involvement of a young child in this crime,” said a Chonburi police spokesperson. “This issue will be addressed with urgency and full force of the law.”
The 13-year-old boy is now in protective custody as social workers assess his situation. Meanwhile, Ms. Bang-on faces multiple new charges, and authorities are reviewing her past cases to determine how she repeatedly evaded long-term incarceration.
Police say the operation is part of a broader anti-drug campaign aimed at dismantling trafficking networks and reclaiming safety in Pattaya’s local communities.
