A man riding a motorcycle with a loud muffler intended to visit his girlfriend in prison showed suspicious behavior when stopped by Khon Kaen traffic police for a vehicle inspection. A search uncovered 340 methamphetamine pills and one short pistol.
At 10:00 a.m. on 8 July 2026, a reporter was informed by Pol. Col. Yossawat Kaewsuebtanhanit, Superintendent of Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station, that on the evening of 6 July 2026, Pol. Lt. Col. Surapornchai Wongphakun, Deputy Superintendent of Traffic, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthapong Kotcharat, Traffic Inspector, and traffic and motorcycle patrol officers jointly arrested Mr. Thanatsan Wivijchai, 35, from Non Sung Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province. They seized a green-purple Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle without license plates, 340 methamphetamine pills, one 9mm CZ Compact pistol, 37 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a blue iPhone 13.
While Corporal Jeerasak Pongpai, Police Sergeant Major Attapong Manorach, and Police Sergeant Major Natthaphon Wongsacharee were managing traffic at the Kasikorn Thung Sang intersection connecting to Chom Phon intersection, Mr. Thanatsan, wearing a full-face helmet, rode his motorcycle through the area. Due to the loud exhaust noise, the officers stopped him for inspection.
Mr. Thanatsan's suspicious behavior prompted the three traffic officers to call Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthapong Kotcharat, their commanding officer, to assist. They then searched Mr. Thanatsan and his red shoulder bag, discovering the firearm, ammunition, and 340 methamphetamine pills. He was detained along with the evidence.
The police superintendent stated that during interrogation, Mr. Thanatsan admitted traveling from his home in Udon Thani to visit his girlfriend, who is incarcerated on drug-related charges at Khon Kaen Central Prison. He bought all the methamphetamine pills from an acquaintance in Laos at 12 baht per pill to use and sell at prices between 30 and 50 baht per pill. He had already consumed some before visiting his girlfriend. Regarding the firearm, he claimed it was an inheritance from his deceased father, a former soldier, and he carried it for protection against rivals. However, he was arrested before reaching the prison or meeting his girlfriend.
After the arrest, authorities took the suspect and evidence to Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station and conducted a urine drug test, which showed a purple result indicating methamphetamine presence in his system. He was charged with four offenses: possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) with intent to sell, driving under the influence of drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in public illegally.