PHANG NGA — A 53-year-old school teacher in Kuraburi district was arrested today as part of a sweeping crackdown on drug and wildlife crimes in the region. The arrest has shocked the local community, highlighting concerns over criminal involvement by trusted public figures.
On June 26, Phang Nga Governor Pairot Petchyuan launched a targeted security operation in line with the Ministry of Interior’s nationwide initiative to combat illegal activity. The operation, led by Kuraburi District Chief Kittipong Maneesri, included a checkpoint on Mae Yai Bridge Road.
Authorities stopped several vehicles for inspection, including a Mitsubishi pickup truck (license plate บฉ 4367 Phang Nga) driven by the teacher. Inside, they discovered .22 caliber ammunition and other suspicious items.
Further investigation led officials to the suspect’s hut in a nearby palm plantation in Village No. 4, Mae Nang Khao subdistrict. There, police uncovered a disturbing cache: methamphetamine pills, drug paraphernalia, firearms, and the remains of protected wildlife — including a deer’s head with antlers.
The probe then extended to the school where the suspect worked. In his office, officers discovered another 21 meth pills, a handgun with ammunition, additional deer antlers and skulls, and homemade rifles with holsters.
Authorities charged the teacher with possession of narcotics, illegal firearms, and violations under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019. The arrest has raised alarm over the infiltration of criminal activity into respected sectors of society.
“This case underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining public safety and environmental protection,” officials stated, emphasizing that the crackdown in Phang Nga is part of a broader effort to root out threats to both people and nature.
The case is now under further investigation as law enforcement works to determine the full extent of the suspect’s network and possible accomplices.
