Massive drug raid in South Pattaya
At 6:00 am on September 20, 2025, a major police and administrative operation stormed a five-storey day-rental building in Nongprue, South Pattaya. Led by Banglamung district chief Patcharapat Sritanyanon, the raid was a complete success.
The tip-off came via the “Banglamung Broken Down” Line app, specially set up for citizen reports. Officers checked every room, knocked on every door, and tested residents for drug use. More than 30 people, both men and women, tested positive.
Yaba and Ice worth millions
The haul was enormous. Police seized drug paraphernalia, packaging materials, and large quantities of methamphetamine pills, locally known as Yaba, along with Crystal Meth, or Ice. Some of the arrested residents possessed not just personal-use quantities but dealer-level amounts.
“We have dismantled an entire drug nest,” said a police spokesperson. “Some were selling straight from their rooms.” The seized drugs had a street value of several million baht.
Rehab for users, prison for dealers
Authorities split the detainees into two groups: users were sent to rehabilitation programs, while dealers were handed over to the justice system, facing long prison sentences. In Thailand, drug trafficking carries extremely harsh penalties.
District chief Patcharapat expressed satisfaction: “This operation sends a clear message: we will clean Pattaya of drugs.” The “Banglamung Broken Down” app proved its worth again, allowing citizens to report suspicions anonymously.
Pattaya’s ongoing fight against drugs
Pattaya is famous for its nightlife—but also for its persistent drug problems. Dealers continually target tourists and locals alike. The latest raid demonstrates that authorities will no longer tolerate such activity.
In recent months, the police have stepped up efforts, conducting regular raids in suspected areas and cooperating more closely with residents. “We will continue until Pattaya is drug-free,” promised an officer.
Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the drugs and identify the masterminds. One thing is clear: the arrested dealers were just small fish—the big sharks are still at large.