PATTAYA, THAILAND – Thai authorities arrested two Chinese nationals after uncovering drugs and thousands of untaxed e-cigarettes during a late-night operation targeting narcotics distribution among foreign tourists.
Joint Operation Targets Drug Network
The pre-dawn operation at 1:30 a.m. on October 28, 2025, was led by District Chief Patcharaphat Srithanyanon of Banglamung, alongside senior district official Natthaworn Sophonsewatsilp and officers from the Chonburi Immigration Police. The coordinated team included Pol. Lt. Col. Kawinwat Arayasuriwong, Deputy Superintendent, and Pol. Lt. Pongcharoen Thongpaiboon, Deputy Inspector.
Officials acted on a tip from a Thai woman participating in a voluntary drug rehabilitation program in Chonburi Province. The program operates under a policy of Governor Naris Niramaiwong to reduce local drug activity. The woman told investigators she had attended parties in Pattaya where Chinese tourists allegedly consumed and sold drugs.
Arrests in Jomtien and Search for Evidence
Undercover officers began surveillance in a Jomtien condominium parking lot, where they observed two men exchanging packages. The suspects—Ruipeng Lian (33) and Yong Qi (46)—were detained on the spot. Officers reportedly found about 49 grams of crystal methamphetamine packed in zip-lock bags and a quantity of cash.
A subsequent search of their condo uncovered more evidence: 0.49 grams of crystal meth, a BB gun, a digital scale, and other paraphernalia used for packaging narcotics. Police said the find confirmed the pair’s role in small-scale distribution among tourists.
Second Raid Uncovers Illegal Imports
Authorities expanded the search to another condominium in Naklua, where they discovered between 2,000 and 3,000 e-cigarettes and more than 200 cartons of Chinese cigarettes without tax stamps. Investigators also seized business cards in Chinese reading “Selling authentic cigarettes,” suggesting a link to unauthorized retail trade.
During questioning with a translator, both men allegedly confessed to receiving shipments of drugs and e-cigarettes from a contact in Bangkok. The goods were intended for sale among visitors at private gatherings and parties around Pattaya, a seaside resort city popular with foreign nationals.
Evidence Handed to Immigration and Police
Officials carefully documented the scene, collected all seized items, and transferred the suspects to the Chonburi Immigration Office (Pattaya Checkpoint) for processing before turning them over to the Pattaya City Police Station. Legal proceedings were expected to follow under Thailand’s narcotics and customs laws.
Authorities emphasized that the operation highlighted collaboration between local administration, immigration police, and community volunteers.
“COORDINATED ENFORCEMENT IS CRUCIAL IN PREVENTING FOREIGN-RELATED DRUG TRADE IN TOURIST AREAS,”
one senior officer noted during the briefing.
Officials said further investigations were underway to identify the Bangkok-based supplier linked to the arrested men.
Ongoing Efforts Against Tourist-Area Crime
The case reflects Thailand’s continuing efforts to curb drug use and illegal goods trafficking within international tourism hubs. Pattaya, located in Chonburi Province about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, has frequently been the focus of such operations aiming to maintain safety and uphold Thailand’s strict anti-drug laws.
Law enforcement representatives added that monitoring cooperation between local communities and rehabilitation programs remained key to detecting similar activities in the future.
“CITIZEN REPORTS AND TREATMENT INITIATIVES PROVIDE VITAL INFORMATION THAT HELPS PREVENT REOFFENDING AND PROTECT VISITORS,”
the statement said.