Bangkok Taxi Driver Arrested with Meth Pills
Police officers arrested a 46-year-old taxi driver early Monday morning in Bangkok’s Bang Kho Laem district after finding nine methamphetamine pills and drug paraphernalia in his possession.
The arrest took place in front of a petrol station along Charoen Rat Road at around 2am on July 8. Officers, including Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and Police Major General Pallop Aeremla, were conducting patrols in the area, using crime prevention lights to deter illegal activities such as street racing and drug use.
While passing the petrol station, police noticed a red taxi with Bangkok registration number ทห1579 parked nearby. They reportedly smelled the strong odour of methamphetamine emanating from the vehicle, prompting them to investigate further.
Inside the taxi, they discovered the driver, identified as Sayan, who appeared visibly nervous and was acting suspiciously as though he was preparing to consume drugs. Police said that Sayan panicked upon noticing the patrol and attempted to hide the drugs in the vehicle’s central storage compartment next to the driver’s seat.
A subsequent search uncovered nine methamphetamine pills along with drug paraphernalia hidden in the compartment. Officers arrested Sayan at the scene and took him into custody for questioning.
During interrogation, Sayan confessed that he had purchased the drugs from a Thai man known only as “Tong,” who is approximately 50 years old, on Charoen Rat Road. He said he paid 30 baht per pill and intended to consume the drugs himself but was caught before he could do so.
Despite his confession, Sayan declined the option of entering a rehabilitation program. Police have charged him with possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) without permission and are moving forward with legal action.
Methamphetamine, commonly known as “yaba” in Thailand, is classified as a Category 1 narcotic under Thai law, carrying severe penalties for possession, distribution, and trafficking. Possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment, heavy fines, and mandatory rehabilitation in certain cases.
Police say they will continue their investigation to locate and apprehend the supplier known as Tong. The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Bangkok authorities to clamp down on drug use and trafficking in urban areas, particularly along busy roads and nightlife districts.
Bangkok residents and visitors are reminded that the possession and use of methamphetamine are strictly illegal and can result in significant legal consequences. Authorities encourage anyone with information about drug activities to contact local police or the national narcotics hotline.
