KOH PHANGAN – An Indian man previously released on bail for immigration offenses has been apprehended for allegedly selling hashish to tourists on Koh Phangan. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Mr. Ashwin, was taken into custody on October 7 during a coordinated operation led by tourist and local police.

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The operation, directed by Tourist Police Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am and executed under Police Lieutenant Winij Boonchit, targeted multiple criminal activities including drug trafficking, illegal labor, and counterfeit currency. According to Koh Phangan District Chief Suriya Bunphan and Deputy District Chief Paisit Thongchoem, officers acting on intelligence reports located Mr. Ashwin in the Sri Thanu area where he was found posting party advertisements without a valid work permit, violating his existing bail conditions.

During questioning, Mr. Ashwin reportedly claimed to have powerful connections in Bangkok and consented to a phone examination. Police discovered message conversations detailing drug transactions and subsequently found four bags of hashish in his possession. The suspect confessed to selling the substance, locally known as “yang ganja,” to tourists visiting the island.

Authorities charged him with working without a permit and possessing a controlled herbal substance beyond legal limits. The arrest forms part of a broader national effort to combat criminal activities damaging to Thailand’s tourism reputation, with officials emphasizing that foreign nationals claiming influential connections will not receive leniency.

Following Mr. Ashwin’s arrest, police expanded their investigation to two local cannabis shops, where they apprehended owner Ms. Jamjuree with 118 grams of hashish and 31 cannabis vape products, and manager Mr. Jetsada with 257 grams of packaged hashish. Both suspects confessed to sourcing and selling hashish to tourists.

In a separate but related case, police detained 49-year-old Israeli national Ms. A. G. I. after she allegedly used a counterfeit $100 bill at a currency exchange shop. She admitted to bringing the fake currency from the United States with the intention of using it in Thailand.

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All four suspects have been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings after confessing to their respective charges. Authorities continue investigating potential connections to larger criminal networks operating on the island.

-Thailand News (TN)