Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested in Thailand

Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested in Thailand

BANGKOK, April 12, 2026 — Thai and South Korean police have arrested a South Korean national suspected of involvement in a transnational drug trafficking network, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Choi Byungmin, 51, was detained on April 10 during a raid at a housing estate in Samut Prakan province following a joint intelligence-led operation between Thai police and South Korean authorities.

Choi is wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice on charges of conspiracy to traffic drugs and is believed to be a key associate of Park Wangyol, an alleged ringleader previously repatriated from the Philippines to South Korea in March.

Investigators said the network used social media platforms to coordinate cross-border drug trafficking, including methamphetamine shipments, with some operations allegedly directed even from detention.

Thai police confirmed that Choi had no legal record of entry into the country and is believed to have fled South Korea before travelling through Cambodia and entering Thailand illegally.

During the raid, officers seized more than 10 mobile phones and over 20 electronic devices, including computers, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. Preliminary findings indicate possible links to drug trafficking operations across Southeast Asia.

Authorities said Choi admitted to fleeing South Korea and entering Thailand via irregular routes before settling in Samut Prakan.

He remains in custody and faces charges of illegal entry, with extradition proceedings expected as part of ongoing cooperation between Thai and South Korean law enforcement agencies.

Officials said investigations are continuing to identify additional suspects and dismantle the wider network operating across multiple countries.