SURAT THANI, THAILAND – Police on the holiday island of Koh Phangan arrested two women on drug charges in a targeted operation aimed at sales to tourists during the Full Moon Party.
Operation focused on tourist party zone
The arrests took place at the forward operations center of the investigative division of the Surat Thani Provincial Police in Moo 6, Koh Phangan subdistrict. The operation was ordered by Maj. Gen. Suwat Suksri, the provincial police chief, and was supported by senior provincial and local officers. A special team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Charoenchai Boonkliang from the provincial investigation unit carried out the actions, detained the two suspects and seized drugs as evidence.
Police vow to curb drug trade at Full Moon Party
According to Charoenchai, Suwat placed particular emphasis on reducing drug crime on Koh Phangan, especially during the heavily attended Full Moon Party, one of the region’s key tourist draws. The aim was to prevent drug dealing between Thai citizens and foreign tourists, as well as sales among foreigners and to local residents.
First suspect accused of possession and use
The first suspect was identified as Prakaiporn “If” Anupradit, 31, from Udon Thani province, who was arrested in front of a house in Ban Tai subdistrict. Police said they seized 0.05 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 16 methamphetamine pills from her, and that she confessed to the allegations before being handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station. She faced multiple charges, including illegal possession of Category 1 narcotics, unauthorized drug use and driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
Second woman faces trafficking allegations
The second woman, Wanvisak “Phueng” Pengcharoen, 28, a resident of Koh Phangan, was arrested in an unnumbered hut in Moo 2 of the same subdistrict. Officers seized 1.21 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 56 methamphetamine pills from her, and according to police she also confessed. She was accused of more serious offenses: possession of Category 1 narcotics for sale, drug trafficking contributing to the spread of narcotics among the population, illegal possession of crystal methamphetamine and unauthorized drug use.
Part of wider security campaign
Police said the operation was in line with national police policy and the guidelines of the Region 8 Provincial Police. Current measures were focused on drug offenses, illegal firearms, explosives, influential criminals and other forms of organized crime. A police spokesperson stressed that such operations would continue at tourist hotspots like Koh Phangan to ensure safety for visitors and residents.