Pattaya, Thailand – October 28th, 2025
At 1:30 a.m. on October 28th, 2025, a joint operation involving local administrative officials and immigration police led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals in Pattaya after a tip-off from a Thai woman undergoing drug rehabilitation.
The operation was authorized by Mr. Patcharaphat Srithanyanon, District Chief of Banglamung, who tasked Mr. Natthaworn Sophonsewatsilp, a senior district official, along with members of the Banglamung Volunteer Defense Corps, to coordinate with immigration authorities. The team was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Kawinwat Arayasuriwong, Deputy Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration, and Pol. Lt. Pongcharoen Thongpaiboon, Deputy Inspector of Chonburi Immigration.
The investigation stemmed from a voluntary drug treatment program under the policy of Chonburi Governor Mr. Naris Niramaiwong. A young Thai woman in rehabilitation confessed to authorities that she had used drugs and partied with a group of Chinese tourists in Pattaya, who were also involved in distributing narcotics at social gatherings.
Acting on the information, undercover officers surveilled a condominium parking lot in the Jomtien area. They observed two Chinese men exchanging drugs without regard for the law. Authorities moved in and arrested Mr. Ruipeng Lian, 33, and Mr. Yong Qi, 46, both Chinese nationals. A search of their bags revealed approximately 49 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice) packaged in zip-lock bags, along with a sum of cash.
A search of the suspects’ condominium room uncovered drug paraphernalia, an additional 0.49 grams of crystal meth in zip-lock bags, one BB gun, and a digital scale—all seized as evidence.
The operation extended to another condominium in the Naklua area, where authorities discovered between 2,000 and 3,000 e-cigarettes and over 200 cartons of Chinese cigarettes lacking tax stamps. Numerous business cards in Chinese reading “Selling authentic cigarettes” were also found in the room.
During interrogation with the assistance of a translator, both suspects admitted to receiving the drugs and e-cigarettes from an unidentified Chinese associate in Bangkok for distribution to foreign tourists in Pattaya, primarily at parties.
Authorities documented the scene, collected all evidence, and transferred the suspects and seized items to the Chonburi Immigration Office (Pattaya Checkpoint) before handing them over to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal action.
