Police Arrest 11 Linked to ‘Dr Air’ Drug Network
Authorities in Thailand have made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile prescription drug trafficking case tied to Anchulee “Dr Air” Theerawongpaisal, a former Police General Hospital psychiatrist. Eleven individuals—including nine licensed doctors, a clinic owner, and a medical records clerk—were arrested during simultaneous raids at 11 locations in Bangkok, Surin, Phuket, and Chon Buri.
The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) alleged that the suspects conspired to acquire psychoactive medications under the guise of legitimate medical practices. Using the names of clinics, the group obtained controlled substances from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which were later resold illegally. Investigators revealed that some clinics existed only on paper, while one purported medical facility was found to be operating as a tattoo shop.
One doctor, apprehended in Bangkok, was discovered to have never actually worked at the clinic where he was listed. Instead, he allowed his credentials to be used for a monthly fee of 20,000 baht. Another suspect, arrested at a hospital dormitory, admitted knowing Dr Anchulee and acknowledged that his name appeared on drug orders, though he claimed his signature had been forged.
Pol Col Suraphong Chartsut, deputy commander of NSB Division 1, stated that the group had procured drugs without ever treating patients, profiting from the resale of powerful medications such as flunitrazepam and alprazolam. The suspects now face serious charges of conspiracy to sell Type 2 narcotics and supporting the distribution of illegal drugs.
This investigation follows a previous crackdown earlier this year, when 12 individuals—including Dr Anchulee herself—were taken into custody. Authorities discovered that since 2022, she had ordered alprazolam worth 15 million baht. The 47-year-old psychiatrist, once a deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, allegedly used her position and medical connections to sustain the illicit operation.
Dr Anchulee and her associates are accused of orchestrating one of the most brazen prescription drug diversion schemes in recent Thai history. While all suspects deny the allegations, prosecutors are preparing to move forward with cases against them. The NSB has confirmed that the investigation will expand further, aiming to identify and arrest additional individuals linked to the illicit network.
This case underscores growing concerns in Thailand over the misuse of medical authority for criminal purposes. It highlights how professional credentials and official channels can be exploited to fuel illegal narcotics distribution, raising questions about oversight and regulation in the healthcare system.
