PATTAYA, THAILAND – Thai police detained a 64-year-old British man and a 40-year-old Thai accomplice after an undercover sting exposed a network selling banned sex-related stimulants across the tourist city.
Undercover Operation and Arrest
On a coordinated operation in Pattaya and Bang Lamung District, investigators from the local police bureau set up a sting by ordering two bottles of a supposed stimulant for 750 baht per bottle, equivalent to about 19 euros, directly from the suspects on a recent date. Officers identified the pair only as Thompson (64) from the United Kingdom and Soonthorn (40) from Thailand.
“The men were immediately arrested,”
said Police Investigators, Pattaya Station.
Both men were taken into police custody following numerous public complaints about stickers advertising illegal substances across city streets.
Evidence Seized in Bang Lamung House
A subsequent house search in Bang Lamung revealed a large amount of contraband. Officials catalogued:
– 180 bottles of a leather cleaning solvent known as “Poppers”
– 36 packs of stimulant pills
– 35 sets of drug-use equipment
– 11 grams of illegal narcotics
– Boxes of condoms and other paraphernalia
Authorities described the property as containing a “complete illegal pharmacy.” The seized evidence was sent to forensic analysis units in Chonburi Province for verification of composition and origin.
Advertising Scheme and Online Sales
Investigators reported that the suspects obtained their products from an overseas supplier and marketed primarily to foreign customers through online platforms. Their online outlet, called “Pattaya Poppers,” openly promoted prohibited items.
According to evidence statements gathered by police on site, both men began using citywide sticker advertisements about six months earlier, shortly after a decline in revenue. They distributed promotional materials at multiple intersections, poles, and beachfront areas to recover sales.
Police Investigation Expands
The captured suspects faced charges including drug trafficking and distribution of banned substances under Thai narcotics and public health laws. Officers continued to trace digital communication links, suspecting other networks behind the operation.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg,”
said Unnamed Insider, Police Investigation Unit.
Authorities confirmed that the market for such chemical stimulants remained active within the nightlife district of Pattaya, prompting tightened surveillance by regional law enforcement.
Health Warnings to Tourists
Police and medical officials urged both residents and tourists to avoid unknown sexual enhancement drugs often sold in nightlife zones.
“Never take unknown substances,”
warned Unnamed Medical Doctor, Local Health Department.
Officials emphasized that many unlicensed stimulants are counterfeit or pose serious health risks. Tourists arriving on short stays often fall victim to misleading street advertisements.
Pattaya Authorities Step Up Enforcement
Following the arrests, the Chonburi Provincial Police increased patrols and coordinated with municipal enforcement officers to remove illicit advertising materials from public spaces. Both suspects remained in detention awaiting formal charges, while investigators assessed financial records and import routes associated with the banned substances trade.
Police reiterated that the investigation would continue at full scale and that those involved in narcotics sales or promotional activity would face possible imprisonment and heavy fines under the Thai Narcotics Act.
Key Points:
– 2 suspects detained in Pattaya for distributing banned stimulants
– 180 bottles of “Poppers” seized in Bang Lamung house search
– Advertising traced to website “Pattaya Poppers” using stickers citywide
– Additional 36 packages of stimulants and 11 grams of drugs confiscated
– Police warned tourists not to purchase or use unauthorized substances
Pattaya police continued broad enforcement aimed at dismantling small-scale drug trade and restoring the city’s lawful image.