"Chaiyachana Dechdecho" , Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, he issued a statement denying any involvement, "Sun Thung Chin" , was arrested by police with 2 kilograms of ice meth and a firearm. He pleaded with political competitors to refrain from exploiting the situation. Police confirmed no search was conducted at "Chaiyachana's" home.
The incident involved the Narcotics Suppression Unit of Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat Police Station arresting Mr. Jakkrit Dechdecho, 30, nicknamed "Sun Thung Chin," who was caught with 2 kilograms of ice meth valued at 2 million baht, a 9mm pistol, and 8 rounds of ammunition on the evening of 19 January 2026. The arrest took place along a road in Thung Chin village, Na Khian subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat district. Mr. Jakkrit, or Sun, shares the surname Dechdecho with Mr. Chaiyachana Dechdecho, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party and a well-known southern politician.
Recently, a popular social media page posted an urgent message saying, "Urgent: Police prepare to search the house of a 'Blue Party Deputy Leader,' a prominent southern figure with initials 'T.' linked to a drug trafficking network," which sparked widespread discussion and speculation on social media.
Today (21 Jan), reporters reported that at a residence in Ron Phibun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Mr. Chaiyachana Dechdecho, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, issued a rebuttal regarding the social media page's claims. He stated that the police arrested a drug suspect who shares his surname. He affirmed that he neither knows nor is connected to the suspect in any way and requested government authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter.
He explained to the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat that "the surname Dechdecho is used by many people. I cannot say what professions or backgrounds those with this surname have; some I may know, others I may not personally know. Originally, my father, Mr. Withun, had the surname 'Sae Dan,' and my mother’s surname is 'Sae Lim.' My father requested to use the surname 'Dechdecho' from Police Colonel Yong Dechdecho, who had been using the surname Dechdecho for 50-60 years. They maintained friendly relations especially in charitable events. Police Colonel Yong Dechdecho has since passed away in Bangkok."
The Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party added that the rumors about his involvement and the alleged search of his home are untrue. Regarding the social media pages or individuals sharing this misinformation, he reserved the right to take legal action under the Computer Crime Act, as it has caused damage to him and the Democrat Party. He urged people to consider that when someone with the same surname is arrested, political opponents should not exploit the situation by claiming connections. Such actions would cause distress to any family. He called on all political parties and politicians to engage in constructive politics, focusing on policies to solve national problems rather than using such opportunistic tactics to damage rivals. He believes such conduct is inappropriate.
"I assure the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat that I have never been involved with drugs. If I have committed any illegal act, I am willing to face the justice system and be investigated by authorities. It is good to determine who is truthful and who is not. I thank everyone for their support, as since last night until this morning many have come to encourage me. I also thank all media outlets for reporting fairly," Mr. Chaiyachana said.
Meanwhile, Police Major General Pornchai Khajornklin, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 8 and Acting Commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Police, stated that the Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat police did arrest a suspect with the surname Dechdecho, but there was no search conducted at the residence of Mr. Chaiyachana Dechdecho, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, as reported on social media. The case is currently under further investigation.