Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Jeff Tomas
CHIANG RAI – Police in northern Thailand have stopped a massive drug smuggling operation heading toward the central provinces. Authorities announced the seizure of 5.66 million methamphetamine pills and 10 kilograms of ketamine on October 7.
The operation involved two major arrests in Phrae province. These busts highlight the growing challenge of border drug trafficking in the region.
Acting Phrae Governor Khunakorn Khotchasirun and Police Major General Kritsada Phankasem led the joint press conference. They were joined by Deputy Commanders Phongphira Karaket and Danai Chaiklam, along with local station chiefs.
The illegal drugs were hidden in modified vehicles traveling along key highway routes. Both cases show how smugglers are actively using new methods to hide their illegal cargo from authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Authorities seized a total of 5.66 million meth pills and 10 kilograms of ketamine in Phrae province.
- Police utilized advanced AI technology and large X-ray scanners to uncover drugs hidden in modified vehicles.
- Officials noted a sharp increase in smuggling attempts through northern Thai checkpoint routes recently.
High-Tech Tools Catch Smugglers
Police stationed at the Hat Rua checkpoint, overseen by Police Colonel Thanet Wiboonkiat, made the first major discovery. They utilized an advanced AI system to track and flag two suspicious pickup trucks.
Officers carefully searched the white Isuzu and black Nissan vehicles on the road. They discovered 2,482,000 meth pills hidden securely inside the two trucks. Police immediately arrested two men from Chiang Rai, identified as 32-year-old Thinbat and 21-year-old Jirayuth.
The second major bust took place at the Huai Rai X-ray checkpoint, managed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Thatthep Chotidechochai. Officers stopped a white Isuzu truck registered in Ayutthaya for a routine scan. The X-ray machine revealed a specially modified truck bed sealed with heavy steel plates.
The suspects had welded the secret compartment to look exactly like an empty truck bed. After dismantling the steel, police found 3,180,000 meth pills and 10 kilograms of ketamine. A 42-year-old man named Somkid and a 30-year-old woman named Sirilak from Ratchaburi were taken into custody.
Securing the Northern Highway Routes
Major General Kritsada explained that drug syndicates are continuously pushing narcotics from neighboring countries into northern Thailand. These smuggling networks frequently use Highway 1, which falls under the jurisdiction of Provincial Police Region 5.
They must pass through key X-ray checkpoints in Lampang and Phrae to reach central Thailand. He noted that smuggling attempts directly through Phrae have increased significantly in recent months. Because of this trend, police have planned continuous interception operations to block these critical routes.
Acting Governor Khunakorn stressed that local administrative officials and police are now working together seamlessly. This joint effort directly supports the national government policy to suppress drug trafficking aggressively. Senior officials have instructed all units in Phrae to maintain strict surveillance to stop future shipments.
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