In Nong Khai, two men were arrested on June 3 following a failed attempt to evade police that ended with their car crashing into a tree. The subsequent search of their vehicle uncovered methamphetamine and firearms, which led to further discoveries at a rented house.
The suspects, 32-year-old Songsak Kaewchiangwang and 23-year-old Thanatorn Makluaopao, both from Phen district in Udon Thani province, were apprehended by the Nong Khai Provincial Police Investigation Unit. Authorities held a press conference alongside military and administrative officials to announce the seizure of 286,000 methamphetamine pills, 25 packets of a new drug called Happy Water, two handguns, 20 rounds of ammunition, four cars, five motorcycles, two mobile phones, 22,600 baht (US$695) in cash, and gold-like items weighing approximately 15.1 grams valued at around 50,000 baht (US$1,535).
Police Colonel Wuttichai Chanthophas, deputy commander of Nong Khai Provincial Police, explained that the investigation originated from intelligence indicating a drug trafficking operation from a neighboring country. The operation targeted Thai dealers under police surveillance, with drugs intended for distribution across multiple regions. When officers learned that two dealers from Phen district were in the area, they closely monitored their movements.
At approximately 2:30 pm on June 3, police observed suspicious driving behavior on a road in Ban Don Sud, Wat That subdistrict. When signaled to stop, the suspects attempted to flee but lost control and crashed into a tree. Songsak and Thanatorn were caught while trying to escape on foot. A search of their vehicle revealed two handguns and a suitcase containing 60,000 methamphetamine pills.
Faced with capture, the suspects confessed and led police to a rented house near Chaeng Sawang market in Nong Kom Ko subdistrict. There, officers found an additional 226,000 methamphetamine pills and 25 packets of Happy Water.
The governor of Nong Khai stated that the arrest aligns with the government’s ongoing anti-drug policy aimed at dismantling trafficking networks. Nong Khai province is known to be a transit route for drugs crossing the border into inland Thailand.
Further investigations are underway to seize additional assets and track down the full network involved.
Happy Water, a new drug primarily sold in large cities, is popular among specific user groups. It is made from precursors such as ketamine and ecstasy and commands prices two to three times higher than regular methamphetamine, with each packet costing about 4,000 baht (US$123). This emerging trend has prompted law enforcement agencies to increase scrutiny on new forms of drugs to curb their spread.
