PATTAYA, THAILAND — Authorities in Pattaya uncovered a concealed drug operation inside a deserted Mookata restaurant near Thappraya Road, leading to two arrests and the seizure of more than 150 methamphetamine pills.
Tip-off sparks investigation
On 3 May 2024, District Chief Patcharaphat Srithanyanon received a report through the “Broken Down Banglamung” Line hotline from several residents in Jomtien, who alleged that drugs were being traded inside the abandoned eatery. Acting on that information, Governor of Chonburi Naris Niramaiwong authorised a coordinated operation with Administrative Task Force Leader Wanchat Wannaphram and officer Kamphai Laosane, deploying a team to observe the site for several days.
Undercover sting in derelict restaurant
During surveillance, investigators identified a suspected buyer who confessed to purchasing meth from Ananchai Thetphum, known locally as “Bang Em”. On 6 May 2024, an undercover officer bought ten Yaba pills from the dealer, enabling police to conduct a search. Inside a shack behind the restaurant, officers discovered 113 more Yaba tablets and 1.43 grams of crystal methamphetamine, hidden behind metal panels. They also recovered the marked cash from the sting operation.
“EVERY SMALL ROUTE MATTERS IN CUTTING SUPPLY CHAINS,” Wanchat Wannaphram told reporters at the scene.
Pursuit and second arrest
During interrogation, Ananchai identified Supachai Khan-asa, nicknamed “Y”, as his supplier. Police instructed him to order 30 more pills as bait. When Supachai arrived on a motorbike at the restaurant entrance around 22:00 that night, he attempted to flee after seeing plainclothes officers. After a brief chase through Jomtien Soi 13, police arrested him and retrieved a shoulder bag thrown roughly 10 metres away, containing additional Yaba tablets and packaged crystal meth.
Additional raids and drug totals
A search of Supachai’s rented room at Soi Thepprasit 5 uncovered another 39 tablets and 2.83 grams of crystal meth, bringing the total haul to 152 Yaba pills and 4.26 grams of Ice. Both suspects, aged in their 30s, were transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for further questioning. Investigators prepared formal charges of possession and distribution of category-one narcotics under Thai law.
“PUBLIC REPORTS HELP US REACH PLACES BEYOND ROUTINE PATROLS,” District Chief Patcharaphat Srithanyanon said on 7 May 2024, urging citizens to continue using the hotline.
Coastal crackdown continues
According to Governor Naris Niramaiwong, the coordinated effort followed a series of raids in Chonburi Province, targeting small networks that feed meth supplies into tourist areas. “OUR AIM IS CLEAR — DISMANTLE EVERY LOCAL HUB BEFORE IT GROWS,” the governor stated in a press briefing at the Banglamung District Office.
Authorities released updated instructions asking residents to:
– Report suspicious gatherings through official Banglamung channels
– Refrain from contacting suspected dealers directly
– Remember that possession or use of methamphetamine carries severe criminal penalties
Police confirmed ongoing investigations into additional suspects linked to Supachai’s supply chain.
The operation, carried out over three days in early May 2024, marked one of Pattaya’s largest community-led drug crackdowns this year.