Swiss-Thai Couple’s Highway Drama Leads to Drug Arrest in Chumphon

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Sandro, a 42-year-old Swiss national (right), and Lamai, a 40-year-old Thai national (center), were arrested on drug charges following their appearance in a viral video showing their roadside altercation in Chumphon province on January 17, 2025.

CHOMPHONA dramatic highway incident in Chumphon Province took an unexpected turn when both parties were found to be under the influence of methamphetamine. The incident, which initially went viral on social media on January 17, showed a distressed woman attempting to exit a moving black Ford pickup truck while a Western man made threatening gestures.

Police intercepted the vehicle on Asia Highway in Na Kha subdistrict, Lang Suan district, Chumphon. The occupants were identified as Sandro, 42, a Swiss national, and his Thai wife, Lamai, 40, from Si That district, Udon Thani province. A child was also present in the vehicle.

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Viral clip showing the husband arguing with his Thai wife in their vehicle, where the wife opened the door appearing to jump out onto the road in Phato district, Chumphon province, southern Thailand, on January 17, 2025.

Initial investigation revealed that the couple had been arguing due to jealousy issues. Lamai stated that her husband had accused her of infidelity and thrown away her phone during the dispute. She attempted to exit the vehicle after consuming wine, but her husband prevented her from leaving.

Tourist Police officers noticed suspicious behavior beyond mere alcohol intoxication and detected drug-related odors in the vehicle. Subsequent urine tests conducted at Phato Hospital confirmed the presence of illegal substances in both individuals.

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The son of the Swiss-Thai couple was present during the dramatic incident between the arguing spouses in their vehicle on a Chumphon road. The child had to accompany his parents to Phato Police Station, Chumphon province, on January 17, 2025.

Sandro faces charges of driving under the influence of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) without permission. Lamai, who admitted to using drugs allegedly for pain management, with her last use being at 10:00 a.m. on January 17, has been charged with illegal methamphetamine use.

Both suspects have been transferred to Phato Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are also evaluating the welfare of the child who was present during the incident.

The case has transformed from what initially appeared to be a domestic dispute into a more serious drug-related offense, highlighting the ongoing challenges of substance abuse in the region.

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