Two young men recently released after serving drug-related sentences were arrested with nearly 2,000 methamphetamine pills less than 10 days later. They claimed it was easy work with good income, while their parents remain imprisoned for drug offenses.
On 20 Aug 2026, reporters reported that just after midnight on 19 Aug 2026, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwat Nammongkol, Deputy Superintendent of the Narcotics Suppression Unit at Buriram Provincial Police, led a task force along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchin Watchapo, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Krasang Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chinwat Konalo, Investigation Officer at Krasang Police Station, and officers from multiple units including the Narcotics Suppression Unit of Buriram, the Krasang Police investigation team, Border Patrol Police Units 21, 215, 216, military anti-narcotics units from the Royal Thai Army, and local administrative officials conducted a joint operation.
They arrested Natthawut, or Arm, 21, wearing a red shirt, and Decho, or Day, 19, wearing a black shirt, both from Prakhon Chai District, Buriram Province. They seized 1,869 methamphetamine pills, two mobile phones, and one motorcycle. The arrest occurred along Highway 2208 between Krasang and Prakhon Chai districts, at Ban Phet Village, Moo 3, Ban Prue Subdistrict, Krasang District, Buriram. The suspects and evidence were taken for extended interrogation and handed over to the Krasang Police for legal proceedings.
The arrest followed intelligence that a group of drug dealers planned a methamphetamine delivery in Krasang District, Buriram. Authorities coordinated to plan the arrest, spotting two suspicious men riding a motorcycle exhibiting suspicious behavior, and began surveillance.
Upon reaching Ban Phet Village, Moo 3, Ban Prue Subdistrict, Krasang District, Buriram, officers identified themselves and ordered the two men to stop for inspection. The driver, Decho or Day, complied and was detained. The passenger, Natthawut or Arm (red shirt), upon realizing the officers’ identity, immediately threw items from his person and tried to flee but was captured shortly thereafter.
The discarded items thrown by Natthawut were found to be a package containing approximately 2,000 methamphetamine pills. Additionally, Decho was found to have one methamphetamine pill hidden inside an aluminum tube attached to his keys at his waist. The total methamphetamine seized was 1,869 pills. The two seized mobile phones contained evidence of drug transactions, and the motorcycle was also confiscated as evidence.
When questioned, both suspects confessed they had recently been released from prison for drug offenses. Decho served three months, while Natthawut served one year and six months of a one year and nine months sentence, being released on 11 Aug 2026.
Natthawut (red shirt) added that after being released for two to three days, he had no job or income, and his parents remain imprisoned for drug offenses. On 16 Aug 2026, a Laotian contacted him via Facebook offering to sell one package of methamphetamine (around 2,000 pills) on credit, allowing him to sell first and pay later. He accepted the offer, saying despite the risk, it was an easy and well-paying job that required little effort. He said he avoids hard work and prefers easy money; selling methamphetamine was more profitable. He considered the risk worthwhile, and if caught, he was not concerned.
Natthawut further stated that after agreeing to the deal, they arranged to meet in Krasang District, Buriram for the exchange. Before collecting the methamphetamine, they each consumed two pills. While returning with the drugs, they noticed a car following them and revealing itself as law enforcement. Natthawut threw away the drugs and tried to run but was eventually caught.