Female doctor arrested for trafficking sedative drugs at police flat in Bangkok
Thanakrit Chitareerat, an assistant to the Public Health Minister, led officials from various agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, on a raid at a police flat in Bangkok's Phaya Thai district on Tuesday (June 10) morning.
The raid followed an FDA report that revealed suspicious activities regarding the ordering of alprazolam, also known as a sedative or date-rape drug, which is classified as a controlled substance under categories 2 and 4. These drugs are only allowed to be prescribed by licensed medical professionals.
So far, two individuals have been detained: a female Police Colonel who is a doctor at Police General Hospital and a Thai man responsible for managing a room at the police flat. Authorities have seized more than 10 boxes of sedative drugs, stored in large cartons.
Thanakrit explained that the arrested female doctor was the sole purchaser of the sedatives, which she ordered from the FDA using the names of 11 clinics located in Bangkok.
These clinics were used to facilitate the illicit orders. The drugs were then stored in a room at the police flat and sold to buyers, primarily young people, who often used them for illicit purposes.
An investigation has revealed that the female doctor placed orders for the drugs from the FDA between 2022 and 2025, amounting to a total of 15 million baht. The FDA became suspicious and, after discussions with the police, conducted a financial investigation.
It was found that the drugs were ordered under the guise of 11 clinics, with a significant amount of money—up to 80 million baht—being circulated.
The drugs discovered at the flat are classified as controlled substances under categories 2 and 4, regulated by the FDA. Improper use of these drugs poses a serious threat to society, Thanakrit warned.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
Withid Sariddeechaikool, the deputy secretary-general of the FDA, further explained that these drugs must be prescribed by licensed medical professionals and used in healthcare facilities. The FDA is able to trace the drugs from their purchase to the patients they were prescribed to.
Pol Gen Suchart Teerasawat, former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and vice-chairman of the Ministry of Public Health's drug suppression task force, stated that authorities had gathered evidence showing that these illegal transactions took place outside the regulated system. The drugs were being sold by outsiders who had been living in the government accommodation.
Additionally, forensic evidence, including DNA traces from those who had come into contact with the drugs and transaction records from the FDA, provides a solid case for prosecution.
Suchart added that the arrested female doctor would face both disciplinary and criminal charges for permitting outsiders to stay in the government accommodation and for the illegal possession and distribution of controlled substances, which carry penalties equivalent to those for narcotics.
She will also face charges of money laundering, and authorities will seize assets linked to the crimes, he said, adding that the Medical Council will be asked to consider revoking her medical licence.
Suchart also noted that the 11 clinics involved are owned by different individuals, and further investigations are underway to determine if other medical staff, such as doctors or nurses, were complicit in the operation.
A raid on all the clinics will take place tomorrow (June 11), and a press conference will be held to provide further details. - The Nation/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
an hour ago
- Malaysian Reserve
14 Top Press Releases from June
Including Michaels acquiring JOANN, top university rankings, and seasonal news from both Whataburger and Spirit Halloween. NEW YORK, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With thousands of press releases published each month, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the month's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the last month that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. The Michaels Companies, Inc. Acquires JOANN® Intellectual Property and Private Label Brands'This acquisition allows us to better serve both new and existing customers, respond to rising demand across categories, and build on our momentum as the destination for creating and celebrating in North America,' said David Boone, Chief Executive Officer at Michaels. U.S. News Releases 2025-2026 Best Global Universities RankingsOf the 51 subject rankings, eight will have more schools ranked this year, including: agricultural sciences; artificial intelligence; computer science; electrical and electronic engineering; engineering; gastroenterology and hepatology; plant and animal science and polymer science. Drink Up, Collect 'Em All – Whataburger Releases Limited-Edition Commemorative CupsEach collection is a tribute to Whataburger's history, holidays and downright delicious favorites. Expect iconic Whataburger themes, some festive fun for Halloween and Christmas, plus something a little extra special for National Whataburger Day. These aren't just cups – they're keepsakes. Novo Nordisk terminates collaboration with Hims & Hers Health, Inc. due to concerns about their illegal mass compounding and deceptive marketing'Novo Nordisk is firm on our position and protecting patients living with obesity. When patients are prescribed semaglutide treatments by their licensed healthcare professional or a telehealth provider, they are entitled to receive authentic, FDA-approved and regulated Wegovy®,' said Dave Moore, Executive Vice President, US Operations of Novo Nordisk Inc. Chainlink and Mastercard Partner to Enable Over 3 Billion Cardholders to Purchase Crypto Directly OnchainAs adoption of crypto assets continues to grow, collaborations like the one between Mastercard and Chainlink are helping drive a new wave of user-centric solutions that bridge the gap between crypto-native technology and real-world usability. BOXABL Announces Intent to Merge with a SPAC, Targeting Nasdaq ListingThe Proposed Transaction represents a significant step forward in BOXABL's mission to revolutionize affordable, sustainable housing. BOXABL currently has over 50,000 investors, representing an aggregate investment of over $200 million, who have shown support for BOXABL's mission and vision. Hunting for a Job? Spirit Halloween Hiring 50,000 Retail Associates for 2025 SeasonSpirit Halloween treats associates to frightfully fun perks, including competitive salaries, flexible scheduling, a premium pay incentive program, and seasonal retention bonuses for returning store managers. To keep the tricks and treats alive after-hours, all associates also receive a 30% discount on Spirit Halloween purchases. Clarivate Unveils the 2025 Journal Citation ReportsThis is the 50th anniversary of the industry-leading annual reports, which provide a comprehensive overview of the world's leading and trusted academic journals, offering academic institutions, researchers, and publishers the ability to gauge journals' trustworthiness and impact. Big4Bio and BYTE51 Announce Partnership at 2025 BIO International Convention to Make Life Sciences Intelligence Accessible to AllStarting June 16, Big4Bio subscribers can access BYTE51 for just $1,198 per year, compared to the standard $2,500 annual price. This discounted rate opens the door to a level of biotech market intelligence that might otherwise cost up to $20,000 per year through legacy data providers. The Princeton Review Has Posted Its 'Best Value Colleges for 2025' Report: Top Public and Private Colleges Ranked in Seven CategoriesThe criteria for the school selections broadly cover three subjects: academics, affordability, and career outcomes for graduates. More than 40 data points from the survey of administrators as well as surveys of students and of alumni were analyzed in the selection process. Fortune Announces 2025 Fortune 500 ListWalmart earned the top spot on the Fortune 500 list for the 13th straight year, generating more than $7 trillion in cumulative revenue over that time period, followed by Amazon, UnitedHealth Group, Apple, and CVS Health. The top 10 Fortune 500 companies generated over $290 billion in annual revenue, totaling $4.2 trillion. Carnival Cruise Line to Launch New Loyalty Program in 2026 Dubbed 'Carnival Rewards'™A cruise industry first, the program will introduce a points-based system featuring personalized perks and new ways to earn status, including credit card spend. Lilly to acquire Verve Therapeutics to advance one-time treatments for people with high cardiovascular riskVerve is developing a pipeline of gene editing medicines designed to address the drivers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) through treatments that may only need to be given once in a lifetime. ADP National Employment Report: Private Sector Employment Increased by 37,000 Jobs in May; Annual Pay was Up 4.5%'After a strong start to the year, hiring is losing momentum,' said Dr. Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP. 'Pay growth, however, was little changed in May, holding at robust levels for both job-stayers and job-changers.' Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire. Trending Topics In addition to the newsworthy headlines above, the PR Newswire team spotted several larger trending topics dominating headlines in June: Summer Entertaining: Whether consumers were hosting a barbecue, attending a concert, hitting the beach or embracing the latest style, there was something for everyone in June. Whataburger debuted its line of Whatafresher beverages, while Peroni made the jump to frozen treats to help consumers stay cool. The releases also kept pet parents in mind, with summer pet safety tips from TurfMutt and Swimply's new way to help dogs cool off in the pool. Other releases ranged from summer injury prevention tips to a Baby Shark x SHEIN summer collection, festive foil for summer barbecues and summer blockbuster partnerships. Pride Month: Brands shared updates on recent legislation, events and campaigns related to and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. HBO Max releases its GAY HBO MAX SONG by drag superstar and DJ Trixie Mattel and Häagen-Dazs® celebrated three LGBTQIA2+S artists with large-scale murals. Meanwhile, brands reacted to the elimination of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which serves LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. And the National Press Club Journalism Institute hosted a discussion on localizing LGBTQ+ stories for communities nationwide. Father's Day: Companies shared their love for dads with press releases covering gift ideas, special events, men's health awareness and more. There were of course grilling recipes, but other releases shared the launch of Snoop Dogg's new direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform with a special Father's Day promotion and the kick off of the KIDZ BOP 'Daddy Dance Off.' Men's health issues, from cholesterol to postpartum depression, were also a focus of Father's Day-related announcements. Coming up: The Fourth of July may already be behind us, but our team expects summer-related news to continue showing up in press releases as the season progresses, whether it be in travel, food or the entertainment industry. Both International Self Care Day (July 24) and back-to-school season typically generate a wave of headlines, so we'll be on the lookout for related stories. And with earnings season kicking off in mid-July, the wire will be full of companies' latest financial results. Do you have a press release to distribute? Sign up with PR Newswire to share your story with the audiences who matter most. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Thai authorities move to clip the wings of Cambodia's casino kingpin
BANGKOK: Many view Thailand's crackdown on online scam kingpins as a welcome move, but some argue it might never have happened if the Shinawatras and the Huns hadn't fallen out. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), from January 1 to July 9, 2025, Thailand recorded 175,477 online crime cases, averaging 919 cases per day. Of these, 31,107 were reported online and 15,407 were filed directly with authorities. The total financial damage is estimated at 14.87 billion baht (US$459,028,721), with only two per cent (approximately 295.8 million baht) successfully frozen in time. The most common scams were online purchase fraud (56 per cent), money transfer scams (26 per cent) and loan fraud (seven per cent). Authorities noted that more than 80 per cent of Thai victims were lured by networks based in Poipet, Cambodia, not from minority controlled areas of Myanmar as previously suspected. In response, the CCIB launched a nationwide crackdown, dubbed 'Operation Mule Account Takedown: Hunt for Cambodian Financiers,' raiding 19 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi in a coordinated effort to dismantle mule account operations and trace funding sources. Thai authorities raided a residence in a housing estate in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where an arrest warrant had been issued for Kok An (pic), the Cambodian casino mogul and owner of the Crown Casino Resort in Poipet. Kok An, who controls multiple high-rise casino towers—including a 25-storey and an 18-storey building in Poipet—has been accused of running a massive call centre scam operation targeting Thai citizens. He is now wanted for involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and money laundering. Thai police coordinated with the Criminal Court to secure the search warrant and are now working with Interpol to issue a red notice for Kok An and his network. Authorities are also preparing for a joint meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seek the Attorney-General's approval for international prosecution. Kok An is widely known not only as a powerful figure in Cambodia's gambling sector but also for his close ties to Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. He is also reportedly connected to Ly Yong Phat. Both men are considered major revenue sources for the Cambodian regime. The raid in Bang Phli—believed to be one of Kok An's private residences—has raised suspicions about Ly Yong Phat's own involvement. Authorities are now monitoring his Bangkok property for possible links to the scam network. Originally from Hainan, China, Kok An was raised in Phnom Penh. He first made his fortune selling cigarettes, capitalising on the high demand among Cambodians. His success enabled him to expand into the lucrative casino business, establishing Crown Casino in Poipet—one of the closest gambling hubs to Thailand. The resort's strategic location near the Thai border made it especially popular among Thai patrons, many travelling directly from Bangkok. A significant portion of revenue from Kok An's operations is believed to have supported the Cambodian government until now. Ly Yong Phat is a Chinese-Cambodian tycoon with humble beginnings. He once earned a living ferrying boats to buy cigarettes and worked under Kok An before climbing the ranks. He later became a petrol station employee, then a business owner, eventually marrying Kok An's cousin, solidifying his connection to one of Cambodia's most powerful casino families. Ly Yong Phat's economic stronghold is Koh Kong, a province adjacent to Thailand's Trat border via the Hat Lek checkpoint. Koh Kong is home to his sprawling casino, hotel and resort empire. Although both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat amassed vast fortunes from gambling ventures, their operations have also incurred heavy losses. Still, gambling is only part of their financial empire—they hold monopolies in various sectors across Cambodia. Importantly, their influence stretches beyond Cambodia's elite. Both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat are known to maintain connections with prominent Thai figures, including politicians (past and present), business leaders, government officials and police officers. Currently, both men's operations are facing sharp declines due to tighter Thai border control measures. Thailand's restricted border opening hours, enhanced screening protocols and limits on cross-border tourism have significantly reduced foot traffic to Cambodian casinos. At the Or Samet checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey, opposite Thailand's Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin province, one of Ly Yong Phat's other casino sites now sees barely any Thai visitors. The once-bustling area is now quiet. Behind the checkpoint, large-scale construction is nearly complete—multiple buildings designed for accommodation and office use now stand at over 90 per cent completion. The entire compound is surrounded by high metal fences and barbed wire, underlining the high-security nature of the site. The once-close relationship between former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen appears to have collapsed following the leaked audio clip of a conversation involving current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The call, which centred on reopening border checkpoints amid a tense Thai-Cambodian standoff, has exposed deeper geopolitical rifts—and potentially criminal entanglements—on both sides of the border. 'I used to consider Hun Sen a brother, but after what he did to my daughter, I was in shock,' Thaksin told an audience during a speech at the '55 Years of Nation: Breaking Thailand's Deadlock' forum on the evening of July 9, 2025. According to Thaksin, Paetongtarn had gone to meet Khliang Huot, a close aide to Hun Sen, at the Rosewood Hotel, where a call with Hun Sen was arranged. Present at the meeting were Deputy PM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiamphongsa and Prime Minister's Secretary-General Dr Prommin Lertsuridej. 'She waited almost three hours. They claimed he was asleep. Eventually, she and the team left. But not long after, Hun Sen called her directly on her private line. I suspect he wasn't asleep at all—but had prepared to record the conversation, I believe he knew we had the defence and foreign ministers present, which makes it all the more frustrating that he could go through with something like this.' Thaksin said, questioning Hun Sen's motive. Thaksin also reignited scrutiny of Cambodian casinos allegedly being used as bases for Thai-targeted call centre scams. 'Do you remember? I said that the 25-storey tower was a call centre hub. Our police investigated and found evidence. Now it's clear that Cambodia's economy has profited by deceiving Thais,' he said. He also linked the network to Huione, a company blacklisted in the US for money laundering. According to Thaksin, a major shareholder is a Chinese national believed to be laundering money globally, with Hun Sen's nephew, Hun To, listed among the shareholders. Just days before, on July 4, Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) held an urgent meeting chaired by acting PM and Interior Minister Phumtham, alongside senior defence and intelligence officials. The talks focused on coordinating the reopening of all border checkpoints simultaneously and withdrawing heavy weaponry from border areas. Although Thailand had finalised its proposals and was ready to sign, Cambodia reportedly insisted that Thailand open its side five hours ahead of Cambodia—a condition attributed to orders from Hun Sen and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Only then, Cambodia said, would it match the withdrawal of troops and weapons. The growing dispute has placed the Shinawatra-Hun family relationship under the spotlight, revealing how a previously personal alliance is now at the centre of national sovereignty, political narrative and criminal investigations. Thai authorities have since launched a series of aggressive operations targeting online fraud, transnational crime, money laundering, and call centre gangs. These networks have cost Thai citizens billions of baht, and the trail is now visibly linked to Cambodian power figures. The sudden intensification of law enforcement raises a provocative question: Would these crackdowns on high-level crime have been possible if Thaksin and Hun Sen's alliance had remained intact? Ultimately, it has reignited a familiar phrase in Thai political circles: 'There is nothing Thai police don't know—only what they choose to act on.' While cross-border crime didn't start in 2025, Thais have endured its consequences for years. Now, with alliances broken and truths exposed, the question remains—will justice finally follow? - The Nation/ANN
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
89 foreign nationals arrested in KL vice raids
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department detained 89 foreign nationals and four locals in a series of raids across Kuchai, Sri Petaling, and Cheras on July 9. The raids began at 3pm, when two premises were targeted over suspected prostitution involving foreign women, the department said in a statement. A total of 26 foreign women were arrested, including six Thais, eight Indonesians, 11 Vietnamese, and one Myanmar national. Two men from Bangladesh and Pakistan were also arrested, along with four Malaysian men believed to be the premises' managers. The syndicate operated behind hotel facades, offering Thai, Vietnamese, Myanmar, and Indonesian women for sexual services, priced between RM160 and RM480. The services were promoted online, with bookings made via WhatsApp and Telegram. In another raid conducted at 10.55pm, immigration raided an entertainment centre offering foreign guest relations officers (GROs). Out of 96 screened, 61 foreign nationals were detained: 44 Thai women, two Vietnamese, four Laotians, and two Myanmar nationals. Nine men, including five Bangladeshis and four Thais, were also arrested for working at the premises. All those detained were taken to the Immigration Depot in Putrajaya for further investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63, Immigration Regulations 1963, and Passport Act 1966. Authorities also handed out notices to seven locals in connection with ongoing investigations. The department said it will continue to take strict action against any parties found violating the Immigration Act 1959/63, the Passport Act 1966, the Immigration Regulations 1963, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM).
