Sa Kaeo administrative officials disguised themselves as villagers fishing to arrest a "former village head" illegally selling methamphetamine in a forest near a village water source, seizing evidence including meth pills and crystal meth.
On 17 Jun 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that Sa Kaeo provincial administrative officials, in coordination with security agencies, launched an investigation and arrest operation targeting a former village head after receiving complaints from villagers about his illicit drug sales to local youths and laborers. The suspect used forested areas and a water source at the village outskirts as drug delivery points. Officials planned an undercover operation posing as villagers fishing, leading to the successful arrest with meth and crystal meth seized as evidence.
This operation is part of Sa Kaeo Province's ongoing intensive drug crackdown under the "Ministry of Interior Immediate Action 5" policy and the "Provincial Defense Volunteers (DOPA 2026: Better Together)" initiative by the Department of Provincial Administration. It integrates efforts among administrative officers, military intelligence, Eastern Forces, and community leaders to address drug problems troubling local residents.
Under the direction of Mr. Prinya Phothisat, Governor of Sa Kaeo Province; Mr. Suthep Chaiwat, Sa Kaeo Provincial Secretary; and Mr. Prasert Singthong, Sa Kaeo Provincial Security Chief, orders were given to all districts to rigorously investigate drug-related complaints, especially in areas with continuous citizen reports.
Subsequently, Mr. Burin Luangchet, Assistant Provincial Security Officer of Sa Kaeo, together with provincial defense volunteers, special operations teams from Mueang Sa Kaeo District, military intelligence units, Eastern Forces, village headmen, former village heads, and village security volunteers conducted an investigation in Ban Noen Phatthana, Village 7, Huai Chot Subdistrict, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province. This followed persistent complaints from locals about a person secretly selling drugs, causing community anxiety.
Investigations revealed the suspect frequently used forest areas and the village's water source as meeting points to avoid official scrutiny. Officials thus planned to monitor the suspect by disguising themselves as villagers fishing and gathering forest products in the area. They successfully arrested Mr. Somphong, known as “Pong,” 45, a resident of Ban Noen Phatthana, Village 7, Huai Chot Subdistrict, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province, reported to be a former village head.
Searches uncovered 97 meth pills and 5.5 grams of crystal meth in the suspect's possession. Officials confiscated these as evidence and detained him for further interrogation. Initial charges of illegal possession of controlled drugs were filed. Authorities documented the arrest and transferred him to investigators for prosecution, with plans to investigate accomplices and drug sources.
Local residents of Ban Noen Phatthana expressed relief following the arrest, as they had been concerned about drug problems spreading in the community. They hope the government's firm actions will help reduce drug issues and create lasting safety for people in the area.