In Udon Thani, police arrested “Je Nok Yak,” a 47-year-old woman selling what she called "horses feeding dogs." Authorities seized 382 methamphetamine pills. She tearfully confessed she did it to earn money to buy food for her 40 dogs.
At 12:30 p.m. on 6 July 2026, Pol. Col. Saksit Thanakitphairoj, Superintendent of Sri That Police Station, and Pol. Lt. Col. Jutharat Damwiangkhum, Deputy Superintendent of the Investigation Division, received a tip that at a house in Pa Lao Village, Sri That Subdistrict, the homeowner known as “Je Nok Yak” kept many dogs and was secretly selling methamphetamine to local youths and laborers in Pa Lao Village and nearby communities. They ordered Pol. Lt. Phaiboon Chaisitisakul of the Sri That police investigation team “Khun Suek” to lead a raid using Narcotics Control Board identification.
Upon arrival at a single-story concrete house without a number, they found 47-year-old Aranya, also known as Je Nok Yak, who identified herself as the owner. She appeared startled and restless, surrounded by dozens of dogs emitting a strong foul odor throughout the home. When asked where she hid the methamphetamine, she initially gave confusing answers but then admitted to hiding the pills in a garbage bag. A search found 382 methamphetamine pills. She was taken into custody along with the evidence for questioning at the police station.
While escorting Aranya into the pickup truck, about 40 dogs looked at their owner with longing eyes; some ran to the truck door and tried to bite the arresting officers, but fortunately the police avoided injury.
During questioning, Aranya, showing abnormal behavior, tearfully confessed she did this because she had no money for family expenses or to buy food for about 40 dogs she kept. She had previously served a sentence for possession of 62 methamphetamine pills five to six years ago. Before owning a motorcycle, she pawned it for financing and used the money to buy meth from an agent, initially ordering 10 pills, later increasing to 600, selling each for 30 baht. Shortly after, she was arrested.
Regarding drug use, she admitted to using methamphetamine for one year, currently taking 2-3 pills daily. She last used one pill the previous night and another that morning, and was about to take more when arrested. She arranged for relatives to care for the 40 dogs and said if they could not manage, they should contact Sri That Subdistrict Municipality or relevant agencies to assist in caring for the animals.
She promised (raising three fingers) that if released, she would never return to drugs, not wanting to set a bad example for the youth of Sri That District. She explained she acted out of necessity, mainly to buy 20 kilograms of dog food daily. She loves the dogs like her children and could not let them starve, so she resorted to this. She was also distressed because her husband did not work and just ate and rested. She began using methamphetamine out of frustration. Without this income, she did not know how to feed the dogs. Asking for food from temples would bring criticism. Additionally, she suffers from obesity and leg pain from slipping while cleaning the house and dog kennels, making walking difficult.
Initially, police charged her with using and possessing Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) for illegal sale, an act for commercial purposes. She was detained and handed over to the Sri That police investigation officers to proceed with legal action.