A young Thai couple expecting their first child has been arrested in Udon Thani for trafficking over 100,000 methamphetamine pills. Their motivation, police said, was to secure funds for childbirth and a traditional wedding.
The operation unfolded on June 8, when officers from Border Patrol Police 24, acting on intelligence, intercepted two suspects riding a black Yamaha motorcycle with no license plate at a traffic light near Mueang Thong Market.
The driver was identified as 20-year-old Pavina (nicknamed “View”) from Na Mai, Baan Dung district, while her 16-year-old boyfriend, Pathomdet, was the passenger. A search revealed a grey plastic box between them containing 50 bundles of meth pills, plus an additional 170 pills in Pavina’s bag—totaling 100,170 methamphetamine tablets.
Pavina admitted to transporting the drugs from Nakhon Phanom’s Tha Uthen district, having picked them up at the Mekong River. She claimed they were to be paid 909,000 baht (US$27,785) upon successful delivery.
Initially, her boyfriend Nes was the driver, but the pair later switched roles. Pavina said they acted alone, not under coercion, and it was their first attempt. She was five months pregnant and hoped the money would cover delivery expenses, pay off her motorcycle, and stay hidden from her family due to shame.
Pathomdet echoed similar regret, saying he participated to raise 50,000 baht (US$1,530) for a marriage proposal and to support their unborn child. “I’m sorry to our baby,” he reportedly said.
All three suspects—Pavina, Pathomdet, and Nes—are facing drug trafficking charges. Nes tested positive for meth use and will face additional charges. The trio remains in custody as investigations continue.
