Police Crack Down on Narcotics Network, Seize 8 Million Baht in Assets
Thai police have launched a sweeping operation targeting a major drug syndicate with operations across the country, seizing assets valued at over 8 million baht and arresting five key suspects. The sting, codenamed TAKE DOWN MAFIA: Shutting Down the Secret Drug Route, was jointly led by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap, head of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).
The coordinated raids focused on properties in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, and Chiang Mai, regions identified as major links in the syndicate’s supply and distribution network.
Police reported the confiscation of assets worth an estimated 8,081,000 baht (approximately US$248,930), believed to be proceeds from the drug trade. The seized items include a house and plot of land, two cars, a pickup truck, 14 baht-weight of gold bars and jewelry, six luxury handbags, sacred amulets, a 9mm handgun, a MacBook, and over 61,000 baht in cash.
The operation stems from a December 2023 undercover sting in Pattani, where officers arranged to buy 392,000 methamphetamine pills. The arrest turned violent when suspects opened fire, injuring two officers. One gang member was shot and captured, while others escaped.
Subsequent investigations uncovered a well-structured drug trafficking network, with 44-year-old Thawatchai, also known as “Chai,” allegedly acting as the southern region’s primary financier. Authorities say he sourced narcotics from suppliers in the north, utilizing private courier services and freight trucks to smuggle shipments south, where they were redistributed by local dealers.
Thawatchai, along with 42-year-old Suhaimee and 32-year-old Kasamee, were already wanted under Criminal Court warrants for conspiracy to distribute Category 1 narcotics and involvement in organized drug trafficking. Two additional suspects, 48-year-old Kornwirat and 45-year-old Witthawat, were arrested during the raids.
According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittaya, Thawatchai used his drug profits to gain political influence, even running for village chief in Nakhon Si Thammarat and cultivating ties with local politicians. He is also believed to have recruited gunmen to form a personal security force.
“This wasn’t just a drug dealer. He was building a criminal empire,” Wittaya stated. “If left unchecked, it would have posed a serious threat to society.”
All five suspects are now in custody. While Thawatchai, Suhaimee, and Kasamee denied the charges, Kornwirat and Witthawat confessed to illegal possession of firearms.
The case has been handed over to Investigation Division 6 of the CSD for prosecution. Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing, with more arrests anticipated in the coming weeks.
Officials say the TAKE DOWN MAFIA operation has dealt a significant blow to the infrastructure of the syndicate, disrupting not just its supply chains but also its financial networks and influence in local governance.
This latest crackdown reflects Thailand’s intensified efforts to dismantle sophisticated narcotics networks, particularly those exploiting regional logistics routes and using wealth to entrench themselves in local communities.
Police have called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, stressing that citizen cooperation remains vital in the fight against organized crime.
