Bangkok: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has expanded its operation to dismantle the 'Ai Yi So' drug trafficking network, resulting in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics and assets in Samut Prakan Province. The operation yielded 150 kg of ketamine and 5 kg of crystal methamphetamine, with assets valued over 3.3 million baht confiscated.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, and Mr. Prin Mekhanan, Director of the Office of Narcotics Suppression, along with representatives from various military and law enforcement agencies, announced the successful raid and arrests. The investigation focused on dismantling the network led by a Myanmar national, Mr. Ai Yi So, known for orchestrating drug smuggling from neighboring countries into Thailand. The recent operation culminated in searching and raiding five locations across Samut Prakan and Phayao Provinces, leading to the confiscation of vehicles, jewelry, and cash.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat highlighted that the operation stemmed from earlier efforts by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau to track Mr. Ai Yi So's network. Previously, on September 1, 2024, two suspects were arrested with 91.7 kg of heroin in Nonthaburi Province, and assets worth 5.5 million baht were seized. Subsequently, further investigations led to the apprehension of three individuals with 600,000 methamphetamine pills in Phrae Province on November 11, 2024. The continued efforts intensified with the second phase of 'Operation Nip it in the Throat,' targeting multiple provinces and culminating in the arrest of three additional suspects and the seizure of assets worth over 101 million baht.
Despite an arrest warrant, Mr. Ai Yi So managed to evade capture by fleeing to a neighboring country, continuing to direct drug operations remotely. However, on July 19, 2025, the ONCB's task force observed suspicious activities involving drug smuggling from Myanmar to Thailand, prompting a coordinated operation with multiple law enforcement agencies. The investigation led to the discovery of a suspicious vehicle in Samut Prakan, resulting in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of narcotics and assets.
The arrested suspects disclosed that they were involved in transporting drugs from Chiang Rai Province to central regions like Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi over the past three months, receiving substantial payments for each delivery. The drugs transported included significant quantities of ketamine, ice, and methamphetamine pills.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat emphasized the ONCB's commitment to dismantling major drug networks and enhancing the efficiency of asset seizures through collaborative efforts with partner agencies. The ongoing crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals linked to Mr. Ai Yi So's network, with substantial quantities of drugs and assets valued at over 114 million baht seized.