BANGKOK — An American man advertising on foreign websites, claiming to treat depression patients in Bangkok, was arrested with magic mushrooms as evidence.
On September 6, Police Major General Phantana Nuchanat led a team of immigration police to announce the arrest of Darius, a 62-year-old American national. He had secretly opened a facility in a house in Soi Ladprao 108, Chom Phon Subdistrict, Chatuchak District. He claimed to be a life coach with a master’s degree in psychology and over 20 years of experience, offering therapy to rehabilitate those with mental trauma or defects leading to depression.
In-depth investigation revealed that Darius was not a doctor as claimed. He had been living in Thailand for several years, initially working as a language teacher before transitioning to offering magic mushroom therapy courses.
Police found that the house was not a treatment facility but a regular residence with 1-2 beds for clients to relax. A search of the refrigerator uncovered 13 bags of dried magic mushrooms weighing over 1 kilogram, which were seized for examination.
During questioning, Darius initially claimed he had a degree in treating patients with magic mushrooms but couldn’t produce any documents when asked. He then changed his story, saying it was knowledge passed down from his ancestors.
He claimed that magic mushrooms contain important extracts that can counter depression symptoms and that he was unaware they were a Category 5 illegal drug in Thailand. He sold courses for 2,000 baht each, mixing the mushrooms with chocolate, fruit juice, or using inhalation cards before playing music to induce relaxation for easier treatment. The business had been operating for about a month with few customers, which aligned with the financial trail uncovered by police.
The police officers then charged him with unauthorized possession of a Category 5 narcotic substance, which carries a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding 500,000 baht.
Previously, immigration police had made three similar arrests, mostly in coastal island areas of various provinces. These operations typically claimed to treat depression or mental trauma, but it’s believed that clients were unaware of the use of magic mushrooms in food or aromatherapy smoke. While intoxicated, victims were often persuaded to hand over various assets.
In one case on Koh Phangan, a victim unknowingly transferred several million baht worth of assets to the therapist. Officials warn both foreigners and Thais to be cautious of criminals disguising themselves in this manner, as it could lead to significant financial losses.
____
