A spa offering sauna services in Wichit sub-district, Mueang Phuket district
PHUKET — A 64-year-old South Korean tourist was found dead inside a sauna room at a luxury spa in Phuket, Thailand.
Police officers from Wichit Police Station in Phuket were notified of the death and promptly arrived at the scene accompanied by forensic doctors from Vachira Phuket Hospital and staff from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation.
At the scene, authorities discovered the body of Mr. Park, 64, lying on the floor in front of the sauna room. Red rashes were visible on his back and the back of his head.
According to Ms. Aroonee, Mr. Park’s wife, she had visited the spa on Saturday evening with her husband and his two sisters. While the women opted for traditional Thai massage services, Mr. Park went alone to use the sauna facilities.
At approximately 5:22 PM, Mr. David, a British tourist, entered the sauna and found the Korean man unconscious inside. He immediately alerted staff members, who attempted CPR and called for police and emergency services. Despite these efforts, they were unable to revive Mr. Park.
Officials subsequently transported Mr. Park’s body to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are also gathering information about Mr. Park’s medical history from his family members.
CHONBURI — Highgate International School Thailand reached a pivotal milestone with its Stone Laying Ceremony at the future campus site near Siam Country Club in Chonburi on March 9, 2025.
The event brought together representatives from Siam Motors Group, the Phornprapha Family, and Highgate School UK to mark the next phase of development before the school’s planned opening in August 2026.
The ceremony highlighted the partnership between Siam Motors Group, the Phornprapha Family, and Highgate School UK in their mission to bring premium British education to Thailand. Following the English National Curriculum, the school will initially serve students aged 2 to 11 in its Pre-Prep and Junior School, with plans to expand to Senior School and boarding facilities in subsequent years.
Tanyaporn Phornprapha Tangcravakoon, Chair of the School Board, emphasized the institution’s commitment to academic excellence alongside its core values of “Curiosity and Rigour, Engagement and Enthusiasm, Community and Kindness.”
“Highgate International School Thailand is dedicated to providing an outstanding education that blends academic excellence with intellectual curiosity,” she stated. “With these values at our core, we inspire a lifelong love of learning, foster independence and collaboration, and empower students to make a meaningful impact in the world.”
The new institution aims to establish itself as a transformative force in Thailand’s educational landscape when it welcomes its first students next year.
Screenshots from a video recorded by a transgender woman in Pattaya inside her Malaysian clients' car, showing the men drinking beer while driving before the accident where they hit a motorcycle on Sukhumvit road in Pattaya on March 15, 2025.
PATTAYA — A vigilant Pattaya citizen helped apprehend two Malaysian tourists who fled the scene after hitting a motorcyclist in the early hours of March 15.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center in Pattaya received a report of a hit-and-run collision on Sukhumvit Road heading toward Sattahip, just before the Highway Police checkpoint in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
Emergency responders provided first aid to the motorcycle rider, identified as 24-year-old Narin Yusamran, who sustained serious injuries before rushing him to the hospital. Meanwhile, a good Samaritan pursued and intercepted the fleeing vehicle, alerting police who made the arrest at the Chaiyapruek intersection.
Police inspected the Toyota Camry with Bangkok license plates and found clear damage to the front bumper, with motorcycle parts still attached. Officers arrested two Malaysian nationals: 33-year-old Mr. Suthan and 36-year-old Mr. Asok. Both were taken for alcohol testing, and beer bottles found inside their vehicle were seized as evidence at Pattaya City Police Station.
Piyapong Nhaikon, the 40-year-old good Samaritan who intercepted the suspects’ car, recounted hearing a loud crash behind him. After stopping to investigate, he discovered the sedan had hit a motorcycle and fled the scene. Piyapong pursued the vehicle for nearly 20 kilometers before successfully blocking it at a red light intersection.
Two Malaysian male tourists exit a white Toyota Camry after being intercepted by a witness who pursued them following their collision with a motorcycle on Sukhumvit road in Pattaya on March 15, 2025.
A 24-year-old transgender woman named Pimlada, who was in the Camry with the Malaysian drivers, later provided evidence to police. She explained that she and her friend had been hired by the two Malaysian men to serve drinks at their pool villa. While in the car, they became terrified as the men drank beer and drove recklessly.
Despite their pleas to stop, the men continued driving until hitting the motorcycle and fleeing. When the car stopped at a red light, Pimlada and her friend seized the opportunity to escape from the vehicle and called for help.
Pimlada also provided police with video evidence she had recorded inside the car, showing the men drinking beer and the collision with the motorcycle, which will be used as evidence in the case at Pattaya City Police Station.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the Senior Inspector General visits Cambodia on March 13-14, 2025, for discussions and information exchanges with Cambodia’s National Police, Immigration Office, and Telecommunications Regulator (TRC).
BANGKOK — In a coordinated effort to combat transnational crime, Thai authorities have made significant progress against both call center scammers and online gambling operations with links to Cambodia.
Senior Inspector General Strengthens Ties with Cambodia
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, recently concluded a diplomatic mission to Cambodia on March 13-14, 2025. The visit, directed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Police Commissioner General Kittharat Phanpetch, focused on strengthening cross-border cooperation against Thai call center fraud operations.
During high-level meetings with Cambodia’s National Police, Immigration Office, and Telecommunications Regulator (TRC), Thai officials expressed gratitude for Cambodia’s recent crackdown in Poipet that resulted in 119 arrests of Thai nationals involved in various criminal enterprises.
“These criminals cross our natural border to escape Thai law enforcement while exclusively targeting Thai victims,” said Police General Thatchai. “Until now, when caught in Cambodia, they faced only minor charges like illegal entry since no crimes were committed against Cambodians. Upon deportation, many falsely claimed to be trafficking victims to avoid serious prosecution.”
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the Senior Inspector General visits Cambodia on March 13-14, 2025, for discussions and information exchanges with Cambodia’s National Police, Immigration Office, and Telecommunications Regulator (TRC).
Online Gambling Ring Dismantled
In a related development, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau (TCIB), announced on March 15 the arrest of several Thai nationals who were part of an online gambling operation with connections to the same Poipet network.
The investigation began following Cambodian police raids on the K2 building in Poipet on February 23, where 15 Thai nationals were arrested. Cyber police examining evidence from their mobile phones discovered they had been organizing online gambling operations, specifically Hi-Lo and Pok Deng card games, working in shifts and receiving salaries from employers who provided accommodation.
Authorities subsequently obtained court approval to issue arrest warrants for five key suspects: Ms. Phimwara, 59, from Bangkok; Ms. Sirinipa, 21, from Bueng Kan Province; Ms. Jananya, 35, from Samut Prakan Province; Mr. Bandit, 22, from Bangkok; and Mr. Nattapong, 26. Together, they operated private gambling groups with approximately 30,000 members.
Thai officers arrested these suspects at a resort in Pathum Thani Province, where they were livestreaming gambling sessions. Evidence seized included mobile phones, gambling equipment, and various other items.
New Legal Approach Closes Loopholes
Both operations represent a significant shift in Thailand’s legal strategy against transnational crime. Of the 119 individuals arrested in the Poipet operation, 115 now face transnational organized crime charges in Thailand that could result in 15-year prison sentences. Authorities are pursuing charges including criminal conspiracy, fraud, and information falsification, with asset seizure proceedings underway.
Similarly, the gambling ring operators are being charged with “participating in a transnational criminal organization, being part of a secret society, and jointly organizing illegal gambling.”
“The Royal Thai Police is fully committed to protecting Thai citizens from these predatory operations,” Thatchai stated. “Our partnership with Cambodia ensures these criminals will face justice in Thailand, serving as a warning to others considering similar criminal enterprises.”
These cases represent the first time such operations have faced the full force of Thailand’s transnational crime laws, effectively closing loopholes that previously allowed perpetrators to escape serious consequences.
Aerial view showing the damage from the elevated expressway structure collapse during construction on Rama 2 Road, Bangkok, which killed 6 workers and injured 24 people on March 15, 2025.
BANGKOK — An elevated expressway under construction collapsed on Saturday, March 15, killing six people and injuring 24 others, with preliminary investigations pointing to unstable soil conditions as the likely cause.
The accident occurred in the early morning hours on the Rama 2 Road, a major highway connecting Bangkok to Thailand’s southern provinces. The collapse happened at a section of the Rama 3-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road Expressway project being developed by the Expressway Authority of Thailand. Construction of the 5-kilometer elevated road began in 2022 and was originally expected to open in June 2025.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit offered his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that compensation would be provided by contractors and relevant agencies. According to the minister, four workers—two Thai and two Myanmar nationals—and a Thai engineer were killed in the accident. No road users were affected as traffic lanes near the construction site were closed at the time of the collapse.
The scene of destruction from the elevated expressway structure collapse during construction on Rama 2 Road, Bangkok, which claimed the lives of 6 workers and injured 24 people on March 15, 2025.
Bangkok Police Commander Siam Boonsom stated that authorities are still investigating to determine the cause of the collapse and promised legal action against those found responsible.
Surachet Laophulsuk, governor of the Expressway Authority, announced that efforts to clear the debris are underway but might take up to a week. The contractors working on the project have been suspended for 14 days pending the investigation.
Initial Assessment Points to Structural Failure
Associate Professor Siriwat Chaichana, Vice President of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, provided an initial assessment after examining the accident site. He noted that concrete pouring on the elevated expressway floor had been completed, suggesting the cause might be related to the temporary steel structure that served as the formwork.
“Preliminary findings indicate the temporary structure had movement issues, possibly due to unexpected soil condition changes. This caused the structure to tilt under the weight of more than 10 tons of concrete, resulting in the formwork detaching and collapsing,” Chaichana explained.
Construction project staff using a lift basket to rescue workers stranded on construction pillars after the beam collapse accident that killed 6 workers and injured 24 people at 1:30 a.m. on March 15, 2025.
He added that the exact cause would require a more detailed investigation once the area is cleared. “If soil levels are found to be normal, we’ll need to examine the support columns. Sometimes, just a 1-centimeter error can lead to tilting and collapse.”
History of Safety Issues on Rama 2 Road
Road and construction safety remains a major problem in Thailand. The Rama 2 Road has been controversial due to its prolonged construction and frequent fatal accidents.
A previous serious accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on November 29 during the connection of concrete beams at the Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo elevated highway project, killing six workers—two Thai and four Myanmar nationals—and injuring several others.
This latest tragedy adds to Rama 2’s grim statistics. Data shows 2,242 accidents occurred on this highway between 2018 and March 2025, resulting in 143 deaths and 1,441 injuries.
New Regulations Coming
Transport Minister Suriya announced that the ministry is preparing new regulations that would suspend contractors found liable for construction accidents and blacklist them from bidding on future government projects. The ministry is working with the Comptroller General’s Department to implement these measures by the end of April.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with reporters following the G7 foreign ministers meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada, on Friday, March 14, 2025. (Saul Loeb, Pool Photo via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Friday announced sanctions on an unknown number of current and former Thai officials for their role in deporting at least 40 Uyghur men to China despite worries that they could be jailed or even face death there.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was immediately moving to impose visa restrictions on current and former officials responsible for or complicit in the deportations. No Thai official has been named. The visa restrictions were not explained but can entail a denial of entry to the U.S.
“We are committed to combating China’s efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subject to torture and enforced disappearances,” Rubio said in a statement.
The Thai embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This photo provided by Thailand’s daily web newspaper Prachatai shows trucks with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.(Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP)
The Uyghurs are a Turkic, majority Muslim group native to Xinjiang in China’s far west. After decades of conflict with Beijing over discrimination and suppression of their cultural identity, the Chinese government launched a brutal crackdown on the Uyghurs that some Western governments deem a genocide.
More than 300 Uyghurs fleeing China were detained in 2014 by Thai authorities. By February, 48 Uyghurs remained in Thai detention when authorities prepared to send them back to China despite calls from Thai lawmakers and international officials not to do so.
Rubio condemned the return “in the strongest possible terms,” saying “Uyghurs have faced persecution, forced labor, and torture” in China.
Thai authorities, however, said they were assured by the Chinese government that the men wouldn’t face penalties or be harmed.
In Facebook posts, the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said 40 Chinese nationals who had been “smuggled” were repatriated to Xinjiang on a chartered flight and they had “all returned home and reunited with their families after more than 10 years.”
The embassy posted photos of family reunions over naans, nuts and fruits.
Rubio has been a longtime critic of Beijing, and he was twice sanctioned by the Chinese government in 2020 over his support for the rights of Uyghurs and people in Hong Kong.
Thaksin Shinawatra, father of the 31st Prime Minister, gives an interview at Centara Grand at Central World Hotel on March 14, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
BANGKOK — Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra responded to opposition attacks on Friday evening during a business forum, addressing accusations that have made him a target for over a week and are expected to intensify during the upcoming no-confidence debate in parliament.
“Is this what you call a new generation party?” Thaksin fired back at the People’s Party, commonly known as the Orange Party, which consists of many young members, including those from Generation Y—the same generation as his daughter.
“I honestly ask, what’s the purpose [of debating about me]? I’m not an MP. I’m not a minister. What will this accomplish? Is it to discredit me for the next election that’s still two years away? Be patient, there’s no need to campaign now,” Thaksin said.
The opposition filed a motion for a no-confidence debate against individual ministers on February 27, but specifically requested to debate only Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while also mentioning Thaksin Shinawatra’s name, which has caused controversy for several days.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha sent a letter asking the opposition to remove Thaksin’s name, arguing he is an outsider who would have no opportunity to explain or rebut accusations during the parliamentary debate. However, People’s Party leaders have insisted on keeping his name throughout the week, countering that it doesn’t violate the constitution and criticizing the Speaker for overstepping his authority.
Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, Opposition Leader and head of the People’s Party, discusses the no-confidence motion against the government with Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Speaker of the House of Representatives, along with delegations from both sides at a small meeting room in the Parliament on March 13, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yokin Charoenying)
Prime Minister Paetongtarn responded that Thaksin is merely “the father of the 31st Prime Minister” with no connection to the opposition’s accusations. She added, “He’s not the Prime Minister. How can they debate him or ask him to hold a press conference? Only if Hollywood invited him to be an actor would he hold a press conference.”
After heated exchanges between Speaker Wan Noor and opposition leader Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut in parliament, the Speaker maintained that he must follow meeting regulations and is responsible for ensuring smooth debate proceedings without endless protests. He warned that if the opposition remained stubborn, he couldn’t put the motion on the agenda, potentially causing the opposition to miss their opportunity before the session closes on April 11.
Finally, after an internal meeting on March 13, Natthaphong announced they would remove Thaksin’s name and use alternative terms such as “the Prime Minister’s father” or “that man” instead.
Thaksin remarked that the opposition can call him whatever they want, though he’d prefer something “handsome.” After experiencing many political situations, he’s no longer bothered. He added that since the opposition claims to be a new generation party, they should strive to be constructive and credible rather than irritating, which would only harm their party.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks to the media at Government House after learning that the opposition agreed to remove her father Thaksin’s name from the motion on March 13, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
When asked about accusations that he controls the Prime Minister from behind the scenes, Thaksin countered by referencing similar allegations against the People’s Party, which is supposedly influenced by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the former Orange Party leader who was banned from politics for ten years in 2020.
“We should ask whether they [the People’s Party] consulted with the founder of the Future Forward Party. Did they discuss using this issue?” he said.
Thaksin also commented on his daughter’s role as Prime Minister, saying she has to work especially hard now because the economic problems require collective recovery efforts. He compared the current crisis to the 1997 crisis, saying back then it was like fixing a broken roof, which was relatively easy, but today’s problems affect the foundation and require more time to repair. Therefore, the government needs time.
Regarding his daughter being the subject of a no-confidence debate, Thaksin said she already understood this comes with the position. While such debates and accusations are normal in politics, he dismissed the opposition’s suggestion that he should explain himself in parliament: “Is that even within the rules? No one does that. Come on, if you’re the new generation, at least respect the established protocols.”
Police officers from Koh Phangan Police Station examine the crime scene where a German female tourist reported in the early morning of March 14, 2025 that she was raped by foreign men.
KOH PHANGAN — Police officers from Koh Phangan Police Station have arrested two Indian men suspected in the rape case of a German female tourist. Both suspects have given conflicting statements while officials are awaiting DNA test results from Koh Phangan Hospital.
A 24-year-old German tourist from Munich, identified only as Sarah, reported to Haad Rin Police Station at approximately 5:40 a.m. on March 14 that she was sexually assaulted by two foreign men on Koh Phangan island.
According to her statement, she was assaulted by two men, believed to be of Indian nationality, near some rocky outcroppings close to Paradise Bungalow in Moo 6, Ban Tai sub-district of Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province. The suspects fled the scene after the attack.
Forensic officers collect evidence from the crime scene where a German female tourist reported she was raped by two men who appeared to be Indian nationals on March 14, 2025.
During the initial investigation, Sarah told police that she had traveled to the island to attend the Full Moon Party and was staying at a hotel in Bo Phut, Koh Samui.
Police Colonel Apichat Chansumret, Superintendent of Koh Phangan Police Station, immediately ordered officers to escort the victim to a hospital for medical examination. A team has been dispatched to the crime scene, with forensic experts collecting evidence from the area.
The investigation is being conducted as a joint effort between Koh Phangan Police, Region 8 Investigation Police, Tourist Police, and Immigration Police, who are actively working to track down the suspects.
Preliminary investigation of CCTV footage near the incident site has identified two persons of interest, while authorities continue to gather evidence and pursue all leads.
Preliminary investigation of CCTV footage near the incident site has identified two persons of interest.Police officers from Koh Phangan Police Station arrest two Indian male suspects in the rape case of a German female tourist at a bungalow in Moo 1, Koh Phangan sub-district, during the night of March 14, 2025.
Later, police traced the suspects’ movements and found that the two men were staying at a bungalow in Moo 1, Koh Phangan sub-district. Officers then brought in Mr. Vijay, 47, an Indian national, and Mr. Rahul, 40, for questioning at Koh Phangan Police Station at 8.20 p.m.
Both men were traveling on tourist visas. During questioning, Vijay neither admitted nor denied the allegations, while Rahul gave inconsistent statements, claiming he was unsure and couldn’t remember. Police collected DNA samples from both suspects and sent them to Koh Phangan Hospital for testing.
Police Colonel Apichat, Superintendent of Koh Phangan Police Station, stated that officers are confident they have apprehended the correct suspects, as these two were the only individuals captured on CCTV footage during the time of the incident. Officials are now waiting for the DNA test results before filing formal charges and proceeding with the case.
BANGKOK — The U.S. has increased import tariffs on aluminum by 15%, effective March 12, 2025. The Ministry of Commerce is compiling information for the U.S. Trade Policy Working Group to determine negotiation strategies.
A report from the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, on March 14 stated that President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase import tariffs on steel and aluminum products from all countries under a global tariff framework.
This action falls under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and is based on national security concerns. The tariff on aluminum and aluminum products from Thailand and other countries was increased from 10% to 25% effective March 12, 2025.
Meanwhile, the import duty on steel and steel products from Thailand remains unchanged at 25%. However, the duty has been extended to all countries from March 12 instead of just selected countries.
According to reports, the Department of Foreign Trade has been in close discussions with aluminum manufacturers and exporters regarding the impact of this tariff increase and potential solutions. The department has summarized its findings and submitted them to the U.S. Trade Policy Working Group, which is chaired by Wuttikrai Leeviraphan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce.
“The working group will analyze this information, coordinate with the relevant government agencies and develop negotiation strategies. It will also work with the private sector to align their actions with government policies and measures,” the report states.
The tariff increase will have a significant impact on Thai aluminum producers, as the US is Thailand’s second largest export market and accounts for about 15% of Thailand’s total aluminum exports.
In 2024, Thailand exported aluminum products worth 16.998 billion baht ($505 million) to the U.S., reflecting a 65.53% growth.
In January 2025 alone, Thailand’s aluminum exports to the US amounted to 1.423 billion baht ($42.3 million), an increase of 85.67% compared to the same period in 2024. Major exports include aluminum foil and thin aluminum sheets.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking attends a meeting with the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and delegation at Government House on March 13, 2025.
On March 13, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), which includes representatives from the following organizations: The Federation of Thai Industries, The Thai Chamber of Commerce, and The Thai Bankers’ Association.
The meeting aimed to evaluate the impact of U.S. economic policies on Thailand. Several ministers and senior officials also attended the discussion.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand remains a key trade partner of the United States. Given the direction of U.S. trade policies, the Thai government had already established the U.S. Trade Policy Working Group in January to prepare for such developments.
She also assured that the government is monitoring the situation closely and adapting its policy accordingly. She expressed confidence that the Thai private sector, with its expertise, can play a crucial role in helping the government develop strategies to address the challenges posed by the US trade measures.
The government is working on various solutions, including: Trade and investment measures, improving standards for agricultural products, and utilizing technology and innovation to increase competitiveness.
Thai authorities arrest another British man while he was transporting dried cannabis flower at Samui Airport, with London as his final destination, on March 13, 2025.
KOH SAMUI — In the latest of a series of arrests, authorities at Samui Airport have detained four European travelers attempting to smuggle dried cannabis flower out of Thailand. The arrests on Thursday evening involved nationals from Romania, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, caught with seven suitcases containing 110 kg of vacuum-sealed cannabis.
The arrests came just after authorities had already apprehended four British nationals and one Malaysian citizen with a total of 144 kg of cannabis.
On March 14, the Koh Samui Provincial Court sentenced nine foreigners who were arrested for smuggling dried cannabis flower on March 12 and 13 to four months in prison each, without suspension.
Dutch National Detained
Regarding the arrest of 4 new suspects on March 13, beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m., airport officials alerted Bophut Police, Customs officers, Tourist Police, and Immigration authorities after detecting suspicious contents in two suitcases belonging to Mr. Modest, a 57-year-old Dutch national, and another luggage belonging to a British traveler. The two men were scheduled to travel from Samui to Singapore with a final destination of Munich, Germany.
Initially, Mr. Modest denied ownership of the luggage, but airport staff confirmed the bags were registered under his name and ticket. After being taken to Bophut Police Station for questioning, he admitted the suitcases were his. He confessed that while staying at the Win Hotel on Koh Samui, a Thai man had delivered two suitcases containing vacuum-sealed cannabis flower to him for transport to Munich.
A Thai police officer questions a Dutch man while he was transporting dried cannabis flower at Samui Airport, with Munich as his final destination, on March 13, 2025.
Modest and the British national acknowledged their guilt on charges of attempting to export goods that had not cleared customs procedures, violating the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Act, and contravening the Ministry of Public Health’s controlled herb (cannabis) regulations. The total weight of cannabis seized from them was 56 kg.
Romanian Traveler Apprehended
An hour later, at 5:30 p.m., officials inspected two suitcases belonging to Mr. David, a 48-year-old Romanian national traveling from Samui to Hong Kong with London as his final destination. His luggage contained dried cannabis flower weighing 47.36 kg.
Like the Dutch traveler, David initially denied ownership of the suitcases but eventually confessed after being taken to Bophut Police Station. He provided similar information, stating that a Thai man had given him two suitcases containing vacuum-sealed cannabis flower to deliver to London.
Thai authorities arrest a Romanian man while he was transporting dried cannabis flower at Samui Airport, with London as his final destination, on March 13, 2025.
British Man Caught Using Same Method
At 6:00 p.m., airport officials discovered a British man using the same smuggling method, with two suitcases containing dried cannabis flower. He was checking in for a flight from Samui to Singapore with London as his final destination.
The British suspect revealed that he had been invited to Thailand with the offer of free travel, accommodation, and meals on the condition that he would transport suitcases containing dried cannabis flower on his return journey. He stated that a Thai person had delivered the suitcases to his hotel, with communication conducted via Snapchat. He was promised payment upon delivery of the suitcases to their destination.
Meanwhile, police investigators revealed on March 14 that they had identified a suspicious pickup truck carrying items covered with black canvas, traveling from Bang Len district in Nakhon Pathom province to Koh Samui, Surat Thani province. They also discovered a white SUV that had delivered suitcases matching those seized to the suspects at a hotel on Koh Samui. This matter is currently under further investigation.
Dried cannabis flowers packed inside one of the seven suitcases belonging to British tourist, transported by Thai officials from Koh Samui Airport for inspection at Bo Phut Police Station on March 13, 2025.
Traffickers Target Thai Cannabis Policy Loophole
The investigation team’s analysis reveals that since the Thai government removed cannabis from the narcotics list on June 9, 2022, to liberalize cannabis policy, foreign criminal networks have exploited this opportunity to export cannabis from Thailand. These operations specifically target smaller airports with less stringent security than Suvarnabhumi Airport. If the cannabis successfully reaches the UK, its value increases several times over.
In early August 2024, the British Embassy in Thailand published a statement from the National Crime Agency (NCA) warning tourists traveling from Thailand, Canada, and the United States that smuggling cannabis into the United Kingdom carries prison sentences.
This came after detecting a significant increase in smuggling attempts from these three countries, with Thailand being identified as the primary source country for cannabis trafficking into the United Kingdom.
