PATTAYA, Thailand – On June 9th, 2026, local officials in Chonburi province carried out a targeted anti-drug operation, resulting in the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics at a snooker table gaming shop in Pattaya.
Acting under the Thai government’s policy to combat drug trafficking and suppress local distribution networks, Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong and Banglamung District Chief Anusak Phiriyomron directed the operation. Sub-district Security Chief Kamphrai Lao Saen led a team of district administration officers and volunteer defense forces to investigate public complaints about illegal drug sales.
Officers received a tip that a group of individuals was allegedly selling drugs at a snooker table inside Rattanakorn Market on Thepprasit Road in Pattaya. After conducting surveillance and confirming suspicious activity with numerous people entering and leaving the premises, authorities moved in for the raid.During the operation, officers arrested one suspect, Mr. Natthaphon Thani, also known as “Bes” (or “Base”). Three other individuals found using drugs at the scene were also detained.
A search of the snooker table area uncovered several types of drugs in the suspect’s possession. Authorities then extended the operation to the suspect’s residence in a village along the Sri Racha–Nong Yai Bu Road in the Surasak sub-district.Additional items seized at the house included:-
113.73 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice)
– 45 ya ba (methamphetamine) pills
– 7.07 grams of ketamine
– Half an ecstasy (MDMA) pill
– One digital scale
– Drug paraphernalia
– A large number of zip-lock bags believed to be used for dividing and distributing the narcotics
During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed that all the drugs belonged to him. The three drug users were documented and referred to rehabilitation programs in accordance with standard procedures.
Mr. Natthaphon Thani has been charged with drug-related offenses. He was taken into custody along with all seized evidence and handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
