SURAT THANI – Police have arrested Israeli national Shai Alfasi, 42, during a major crackdown on drug sales aimed at tourists on Koh Phangan. Officers called him the biggest arrest so far in an ongoing sweep. They also reported seizing drugs worth more than 50 million baht (about $1.6 million).
Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuek-am and the Tourist Police Bureau led the operation. Authorities said they increased enforcement because of heavy travel periods, including Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year.
Police Say WhatsApp Business Helped Run the Sales
Investigators said Alfasi owns the Lola bar and restaurant in the Hat Hin Kong area. They believe he used the venue as cover for a large distribution setup. According to police, deals were arranged through WhatsApp Business, often using an account name in Hebrew. Messages and coordination also took place in Hebrew, which police said helped serve Israeli tourists.
Authorities described a drop-off system. Sellers hid drugs at set spots, buyers picked them up, then left cash in the same place for collection, sometimes inside socks. Undercover officers set up a buy for 2 grams of ketamine for 6,000 baht. After that, police said Alfasi arrived on a Honda ADV 350 motorbike to collect the payment, and officers arrested him.
Police said a search of his personal items, luggage, and hidden storage areas uncovered multiple drugs, including:
- 3 kg of cocaine
- 3 kg of ketamine
- 3.5 kg of MDMA powder and 262 MDMA tablets
- 1,778 grams of LSD
- 15 grams of heroin
- 58 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
- 4 more ecstasy pills
Authorities charged Alfasi with commercial trafficking and distribution involving Category 1, 2, and 5 narcotics and psychotropic substances, along with illegal drug use.
Foreign Drug Cases on Koh Phangan Keep Showing Up
Koh Phangan draws big crowds for Full Moon Parties and backpacker travel. Because of that, the island has seen repeated cases tied to foreign nationals and illegal drugs. Police and local reports have often linked Israeli tourists and residents to some of these cases, although other groups have also been involved.
Recent cases cited by authorities include:
- In January 2026, police arrested four Israeli citizens during a raid on a Koh Phangan villa where officers said drugs were present. The suspects faced possession charges tied to cocaine and ecstasy. Officials also began steps toward visa cancellation and possible deportation.
- In earlier years, Israeli defendants have been convicted in trafficking cases. Some older cases led to death sentences, although Thailand has rarely carried out executions for drug crimes since 2009.
- Other investigations have involved Canadians, Nigerians, and mixed-nationality groups. Police said some of these cases also used drop-offs or party-based distribution.
Thailand remains a popular destination for young travelers, so police say drug networks keep trying to tap tourist demand. As a result, enforcement stays heavy in southern hotspots like Koh Phangan, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Thailand’s Drug Laws Carry Harsh Sentences
Thailand enforces strict penalties under the Narcotics Act. Foreign nationals face the same punishments as Thai citizens. After serving a sentence, deportation often follows.
Common penalties include:
- Category 1 narcotics (for example, heroin and large amounts of cocaine): Life in prison or the death penalty for trafficking or possession with intent to sell.
- Category 2 substances (for example, ketamine, MDMA, and amphetamines): Up to life imprisonment and large fines, often reaching millions of baht, for distribution or major possession.
- Psychotropic substances (for example, LSD and ecstasy): Long prison terms and fines for commercial trafficking.
- Simple possession or use: Prison time and fines can still apply, even for small amounts.
- Organized trafficking: Courts can impose stronger sentences for coordinated networks, and major Category 1 cases can still bring the death penalty.
In many serious cases, courts rarely approve bail. Those convicted often serve time in Thai prisons before extradition or deportation becomes possible. Officials also said cooperation can sometimes reduce sentencing.
Police said Alfasi’s arrest fits into a larger push against drug sales arranged through messaging apps, including WhatsApp. Authorities warned that dealers who target tourists damage Thailand’s image as a safe place to visit.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to look for possible partners and to map out the full network. Police said the case shows how quickly app-based trafficking can spread in busy tourist areas, and why they plan to keep pressure on these operations.
