Surat Thani Immigration intensified pursuit expanding the "foreign drug trafficking network on Koh Phangan" after arresting a Brazilian dealer, capturing an Israeli man involved, and proceeding with charges against two Australians.
Today (8 Mar 2026) at 10:00 AM, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul, Commander of Immigration Division 6, disclosed that Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonlaksam, Director of the Immigration Office, ordered an investigation to expand following the arrest of Brazilian national PEDRO, a suspected drug dealer on Koh Phangan on 5 Mar 2026. Pol. Col. Naruwat Phutthawiro, Chief of Surat Thani Immigration, was directed to investigate further and found three other foreign nationals living on Koh Phangan, believed to be part of the network supplying drugs to tourists. Authorities closely examined CCTV and gathered local intelligence.
Subsequently, the investigation team tracked down Israeli national OR near Coconut Lane, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, and took him for room inspection. They found a large quantity of drugs including 389.35 grams of cocaine, some in white spherical lumps suggesting recent smuggling concealed internally. Ecstasy was found in both powder and pill form, along with ketamine, cannabis resin, and various drug repackaging tools. All evidence was seized, and OR was arrested on charges of drug possession and trafficking. He was handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station for prosecution, with investigations into the associated network ongoing.
During the investigation of OR, authorities noticed two foreigners near his lodging exhibiting suspicious behavior, identified as KIAN and MIKA, both Australian nationals. Testing revealed KIAN had cocaine in his system, leading to his arrest for drug use. MIKA refused to comply with drug testing as ordered by officials, resulting in her arrest for obstructing law enforcement officers acting under the Narcotics Act.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chutharet stated this operation follows government directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phunpet to aggressively suppress transnational crime and foreign nationals violating Thai law. The goal is to ensure public safety and maintain Thailand’s image as a tourist destination. All foreign residents committing offenses will face strict legal action without exception.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious foreign individuals or criminal activities to the Immigration Office hotline at 1178, Surat Thani Immigration at 077-423440, or via their website.www.suratthaniimmigration.go.th