Pattaya, Thailand – Banglamung police, working with local authorities, arrested two key members of a major drug network operating in Pattaya and Banglamung District. The operation, which took place at 6:00 PM on April 7, 2025, resulted in the seizure of 2.26 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (locally known as “ice”) and 4,000 yaba pills, along with a white Toyota Hilux Vigo pickup truck registered in Sa Kaeo province.
The arrests were led by Pol. Col. Sarawut Nuchanart, Chief of the Banglamung Police Station, alongside Mr. Patcharapat Sritanyanon, Banglamung District Chief. A joint task force comprising Banglamung Police’s special operations unit and local administrative officials apprehended Mr. Pichit Singnamo, alias “Too,” aged 32, and Mr. Thitipong Saepaisal, alias “Min,” aged 26, both hailing from Sa Kaeo province.
The raid came together from prior arrests of two suspects involved in distributing drugs by leaving them at designated locations under orders from a major drug dealer. Following those arrests, police expanded their investigation to target the broader network. Late on April 6, authorities received a tip from a concerned citizen that the same drug ring was planning to drop off 4,000 yaba pills (packaged in two bundles) near an advertising billboard in a housing estate along Highway 36 near Banglamung.
Acting on the tip, police set up surveillance in the area and observed a suspicious white Toyota Hilux Vigo pickup truck circling the location multiple times. Upon inspection, officers discovered the 4,000 yaba pills abandoned by the roadside near the billboard, which were seized as evidence.
Police then tailed the suspect vehicle along the railway-parallel road toward Soi Nong Krabok. Fearing the suspects might evade capture, officers staged a minor rear-end collision with the pickup truck to halt it under the guise of an accident. When Mr. Pichit and Mr. Thitipong exited the vehicle, visibly agitated and confrontational, police revealed their identities and conducted a search. More evidence was found in the form of chat messages instructing clients to retrieve the yaba pills at the drop-off point along Highway 36, directly linking the suspects to the drug operation.
Further investigation led authorities to search the suspects’ residence in Soi Khao Talo. There, police uncovered 2.2 kilograms of crystal meth, a digital scale, and resealable plastic bags hidden within the property, all of which were seized as further evidence.
During questioning, both suspects confessed to their roles as “runners” tasked with delivering drugs to clients at specified locations under the direction of a man named Somnuk, identified as the ringleader and owner of the drugs. They admitted to being paid 500 baht per delivery and claimed to have been involved in the illicit trade for some time. The suspects cited financial pressures as their motive, with Mr. Pichit noting that his wife had given birth to their daughter just five days prior.
The suspects now face charges of “Jointly distributing Category 1 narcotics (yaba and crystal meth) for commercial purposes” and “Jointly possessing Category 1 narcotics (yaba and crystal meth) with intent to distribute for commercial purposes.” They have been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
