ONDCP Secretary firmly stated that efforts continue unabated to apprehend major figures in the drug trafficking case who have fled abroad. He warned couriers of severe penalties under customs law. Meanwhile, "Rutthapol" ordered AOT to tighten controls, banning airline crew from side jobs, conducting random bag inspections, and deploying K9 units for strict enforcement.
At 09:10 on 13 July 2026 at Government House, Pol. Col. Suriya Singhamon, Secretary of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONDCP), spoke about progress in the heroin smuggling case to Australia, known as the "Air Mina" case, and the cannabis smuggling cases to Australia and Taiwan. Overall, arrests have been made of individuals involved at various points: those from Laos, Thai nationals, and couriers in transit. The final recipients are in Australia and Taiwan. Australian police have been rigorously pursuing the Air Mina case, tracing it to the suspected mastermind, who has now fled abroad. This is a drug trafficking network.
When asked if the entire network has been apprehended, Pol. Col. Suriya said not yet; the masterminds above remain at large. The Royal Thai Police, ONDCP, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) continue working together to collect evidence. The Air Mina case is just one example; arrests have been ongoing. This is a good opportunity for the media to raise awareness that couriers en route include flight attendants, ordinary people, and students who have mistakenly joined the business of carrying goods abroad. Some knowingly, others unknowingly carry concealed drugs, but all are breaking the law. Even if unaware of drugs, carrying goods abroad violates customs law clearly. Previously, enforcement was lax, allowing traffickers to exploit these couriers. Therefore, the overall situation requires public attention. He thanked the media for highlighting this and warned couriers that even if the goods are not drugs, customs evasion carries penalties up to 10 years imprisonment and fines based on the value of goods.
When asked if the major trafficker has fled abroad, Pol. Col. Suriya confirmed that the individual has fled overseas, but parts of the trafficking network remain in Thailand, operating as a large criminal organization.
When asked if he could reveal the identity or position of the mastermind, Pol. Col. Suriya said the Royal Thai Police have already announced this information. They have known for a long time but withheld it to avoid enabling escape. Now everyone knows; the person is just one piece of the puzzle.
Asked whether arrests of involved persons would affect the Air Mina case in Australia, such as reducing penalties, Pol. Col. Suriya explained that proceedings in Thailand and Australia are separate. Australia applies its own legal standards and considers all evidence. However, as Thailand obtains more information and arrests additional suspects, including couriers, data will be shared with Australian authorities for further consideration.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol Nawarat, Minister of Justice, stated that the ONDCP and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau under the Royal Thai Police are actively pursuing all related cases, with the Air Mina case moving forward and suspects becoming clearer. The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has improved its tools and inspection methods, especially for pilots and crew traveling abroad, including deploying K9 dogs. Regulations now prohibit crew from side jobs carrying goods abroad, with periodic random baggage inspections and monitoring of social media pages offering courier services linked to airline staff. These measures will work together to prevent smuggling.
When asked if airport security will be stricter for both foreign tourists and airline crew, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol confirmed enhanced measures and additional K9 units will be deployed. He emphasized stricter enforcement. He noted tourists are less affected since existing measures are already in place, but crew may face more impact due to prior leniency while aviation systems were being established.