Israelis Arrested at Drug Party on Koh Phangan
Four Israeli men were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning during a drug-fueled party at a luxury villa on Thailand’s popular Koh Phangan island. The group claimed they were soldiers on vacation, celebrating peace in the Middle East following the end of the Israel-Hamas war.
Police arrived at the villa in Ban Sri Thanu around 2:40 a.m. after receiving complaints about loud music. Inside, they found the four men, aged between 26 and 27, sitting together and appearing to hide something. A search of the area revealed small packets containing 0.59 grams of cocaine and 1.37 grams of powdered ecstasy.
The suspects told officers that they had been partying earlier with 10 to 15 other Israeli nationals. When the noise complaints began, most of the group left, leaving the four men behind. They admitted to purchasing the drugs from other Israelis at the party but claimed they did not know their names.
All four suspects were taken to Koh Phangan Hospital, where drug tests confirmed the presence of cocaine and methamphetamine in their systems. Tourist Police Inspector Pol Lt Col Winit Boonchit stated that the men would face charges related to drug possession and use.
Koh Phangan, renowned for its Full Moon Parties, has long attracted tourists seeking a vibrant nightlife scene. However, Thai authorities maintain a strict stance on illegal drugs, with arrests of foreign nationals regularly making headlines. This incident serves as another reminder of Thailand’s uncompromising drug laws, which carry severe penalties even for small quantities.
The four Israelis were taken into custody pending further legal proceedings. Police are reportedly continuing their investigation to identify the individuals who supplied the drugs at the party. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of policing drug use on Thailand’s islands, where tourism and nightlife often intersect with illicit activities.
