BANGKOK — Two Japanese nationals running a cannabis business in Thailand were arrested in Chonburi Province after police tracked them down through the distinctive smell of marijuana emanating from their resort rooms. The suspects were wanted in connection with a violent extortion case in Bangkok.
The investigation began when a Japanese victim filed complaints at Phaya Thai and Chokchai police stations, reporting that three individuals—two Japanese nationals and one Thai—had kidnapped him and demanded 300,000 baht, allegedly for visa processing fees at Arayaprathet Customs House, Sa Kaeo Province.
According to police reports, when the victim could only pay 135,000 baht, the suspects took him to a secluded field where they threatened his life. They then allegedly held him captive at a hotel near Kaset-Nawamin Road, where he was subjected to severe physical abuse throughout the night and forced to consume excrement in an attempt to extort more money.
Police first arrested the Thai suspect, identified only as Mr. Pao, age 35. Further investigation led to the identification of two Japanese suspects: Mr. Niki, 45, and Mr. Tomiki, 26. The pair had a history of violent behavior, with Mr. Niki known for consuming a potent cannabis blend called “3king.”
Following a court warrant issued on October 17 for extortion charges, authorities located the suspects at a resort in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. The investigation team initially struggled to find the exact location until they detected the smell of marijuana, which led them to adjoining rooms where both suspects were staying.
During the arrest, police seized evidence including: 179,000 baht in cash, cannabis smoking paraphernalia, multiple smartphones including iPhone 12, iPhone 13 Pro, and Galaxy A14, two iPads, and bank checkbooks.
In questioning led by Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengswang on November 6, both suspects denied all charges, including allegations of physical abuse. Mr. Niki claimed he moved to Thailand with 1 billion yen ($6.5 million) after facing multiple cannabis-related arrests in Japan, attracted by Thailand’s more lenient cannabis laws. He disclosed operating a cannabis business and an international shipping operation.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had established significant business operations in Thailand, with cash flow reportedly in the hundreds of millions of baht. Police Major General Theeradej Thammasutee, commander of the Investigation Division, stated that authorities are expanding their investigation to examine possible connections to illegal business activities.
Both suspects are currently in custody at Phaya Thai Police Station as the investigation continues.
_______
