Pattaya-
In a sweeping anti-drug operation launched at 6:00 p.m. on November 14th, 2025, Banglamung District Chief Mr. Patcharaphat Srithanyanon ordered a full-scale raid that netted four suspects, including a novice monk from a local temple, and yielded a substantial cache of narcotics.
Acting on a tip received through the confidential “Broken Down Banglamung” Line channel, Deputy District Chief Mr. Wanchat Wannaphram, head of the Administrative Operations Group, and Deputy District Clerk Mr. Khampaai Lao-san mobilized two elite administrative task forces, “Shark 1” and “Shark 2,” alongside officers from Nongprue Police Station and Banglamung Police Station. The operation aligned with the strict anti-drug policy of Chonburi Governor Mr. Naris Niramaiwong.
Authorities executed a series of coordinated arrests across the district:
1. Mr. Anan Chaisukosol, 35, was apprehended at Chiw Market with 28.94 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice) and 4 methamphetamine (yaba) tablets. The arrest led investigators to the next link in the network.
2. Mr. Yuranan Unsi, 38, was detained in front of a condominium on Soi Chat Kaeo 9, in possession of 122.85 grams of ice and 10 yaba tablets. His interrogation revealed connections to individuals inside Wat Takhian Tia.
3. Mr. Chaiwat Bamrungchat, 42, a novice monk at Wat Takhian Tia in the Takhian Tia sub-district, was caught inside the temple grounds with 52.95 grams of ice. The arrest became the operation’s centerpiece when officers observed the monk, clad in saffron robes, attempting to flee over the temple wall upon seeing the raid. He was quickly subdued. The suspect confessed to having ordained only recently and voluntarily disrobed beneath a large bodhi tree inside the temple before being taken into custody.
4. Mr. Suriyan Chanchana, 39, another network member, was arrested outside a convenience store on Soi Huay Yai with 80 yaba tablets.
Following the arrests, all suspects were transferred for expanded interrogation. Evidence and detainees were handed over to local investigators for prosecution under Thailand’s stringent narcotics laws.
The operation effectively dismantled a large drug trafficking ring operating in the heart of Banglamung, marking a decisive victory in the province’s ongoing war against illegal narcotics.
