PATTAYA, THAILAND – A dawn police raid on a Jomtien apartment led to the arrest of six people on crystal meth offences, including two suspects already wanted on drug-related warrants.
Early-morning operation in Jomtien
The operation took place on 14 January 2026 at around 6:39 a.m. in a residential building in Jomtien and was led by Pol. Col. Anek Saratongyu, head of Pattaya City Police Station. An investigative team under Pol. Lt. Col. Sirawat Katchamat and Pol. Lt. Col. Arus Saphanon had previously received information about alleged drug dealing at the premises.
Officers then deployed a civilian informant, who arranged a controlled purchase of crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”) for 300 baht. The transaction was set up to provide grounds for an immediate intervention by the police.
Arrests after staged drug purchase
As soon as the alleged dealers handed over the drugs, officers moved in and arrested two men in the act. The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Ekkaphinan “Fluke” Naemsai and 39-year-old Wuttipong “Tu” Prathumphong.
Police seized about 0.5 grams of crystal meth and the cash used for the controlled buy. According to investigators, one of the detainees claimed he did not usually sell drugs but had temporarily sold small quantities out of financial distress to fund online slot games.
“He stated that he needed the money for ‘spinning slots’.”
said police, paraphrasing the suspect’s account.
Outstanding drug warrants uncovered
A check of personal data revealed that both men were already the subject of outstanding warrants. Ekkaphinan Naemsai was wanted under an active warrant from the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court (No. 300/2566, issued May 2023) on a charge of drug use.
For Wuttipong Prathumphong, a warrant from the Khon Kaen Provincial Court (No. 425/2561, issued 24 October 2018) was in force for conspiracy to commit drug offences and possession of Category 1 narcotics. Investigators noted the discrepancy between this background and the claim that he had no drug-related history.
Four more users found in same room
During an extended search of the accommodation, officers found four additional individuals in the same room. All four were arrested after tests reportedly returned positive for narcotics.
They were accused of using Category 1 narcotics, though their names were not released. In total, the six detainees faced multiple charges, including joint distribution of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) without permission and illegal use of Category 1 narcotics.
Part of wider anti-drug campaign
The suspects were taken into custody under the supervision of Pol. Lt. Col. Chinnawat Thisala, investigating inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, for further legal proceedings. Authorities said the action formed part of an ongoing offensive against drug networks in the Pattaya area.
Police stressed that the goal was to improve safety for residents and visitors.
“The operations to curb drug trafficking and drug use in Pattaya will be intensified and continued.”
said the officers.
Increased checks in tourist districts
Jomtien, a popular area for accommodation near the beach, has seen continued drug-related problems, according to authorities. In response, officials have been stepping up checks and raids.
The aim, they said, was to combat drug crime consistently in tourist-oriented neighbourhoods and to reinforce the image of Pattaya as a safe destination for locals and tourists alike.