The spokesperson for Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) revealed updates on the case of a 28-year-old Thai woman hired to carry a shipment with methamphetamine hidden inside coffee packets. Recently, Japanese prosecutors have decided not to prosecute her on drug charges, considering that she had no intent and was not involved in a transnational drug trafficking network.
On 31 July 2026, Ms. Areepak Ngembamrung, Deputy Secretary-General of the ONCB and its spokesperson, spoke about the case of a 28-year-old Thai woman arrested at Fukuoka Airport with 900 grams of methamphetamine concealed in coffee packets. She said she had been in contact with Japanese police and learned that Japanese prosecutors decided not to file charges against Ms. Juthathip (surname withheld), the 28-year-old Thai woman, regarding the case of smuggling narcotics into Japan.
Details about why the prosecutors dropped the case are still being coordinated, but initially it is understood that Japanese prosecutors believe the Thai woman had no intent and is likely uninvolved with any transnational drug trafficking network. She was merely hired to carry the goods without knowing that narcotics were concealed inside. Moreover, she has no prior history related to drug offenses or involvement with drugs, leading to the decision not to prosecute her.
This is not the first time Japanese prosecutors have dropped charges against a Thai suspect in a drug case. Previously, decisions to prosecute or not have depended on the evidence and circumstances. Following this, Japanese immigration police will coordinate with Thailand's Consular Department to confirm the woman is cleared of drug charges so she can return home to Thailand promptly.
Responsibility for arranging the woman's return will involve coordination between Thai consular officials and her family to determine when she will be brought back to Thailand. Meanwhile, the ONCB will focus on expanding investigations to track down those involved in the overall transnational drug trafficking network behind this case.
Meanwhile, all legal proceedings will be handled by Thailand's Narcotics Suppression Bureau moving forward.
As for whether the woman will be blacklisted from entering Japan upon repatriation, details are not yet clear and official documentation is awaited. The Office of the Public Prosecutor for Rights Protection and Legal Assistance (OPRLA) will coordinate with her family to ensure her rights are safeguarded during this process.