Bangkok: A female doctor from the Police General Hospital was arrested following a joint operation by police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after being found to have secretly ordered and sold rape drugs outside the legal system since 2022. Authorities discovered she had used the names of 11 clinics, generating a turnover of over 80 million baht. The investigation is set to expand to identify others potentially involved.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest was made when Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Thanakrit Jit-Areerat, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Public Health, collaborated with the FDA, the Department of Health Service Support, and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau to search a police flat in the Phaya Thai district of Bangkok. The operation was initiated following a report by Dr. Witit Srisadeechaikul, Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, highlighting irregularities in the ordering of alprazolam, commonly known as sleeping pills or rape drugs.
Investigations revealed the doctor had been ordering medication from the FDA from 2022 to 2025, amounting to 15 million baht. The FDA noticed these irregularities and collaborated with the police to trace the financial activities. It was discovered that 11 clinics were impersonated to order medicines, with total sales reaching 80 million baht. The doctor was identified as the sole individual responsible for these orders and payments.
During the search, the flat was confirmed to be a police residence, where a significant quantity of drugs was stored. A private individual acting as a caretaker was taken in for questioning, while the doctor was arrested at her home for further interrogation. The drugs discovered comprised Category 2 and Category 4 psychotropic substances, which are strictly regulated by the FDA due to their potential societal harm if misused.
Pol. Gen. Suchart Thirasawat, former deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police and vice chairman of the Public Health Ministry's Narcotics Suppression Working Group, stated that the collected evidence indicated the drugs were being illicitly sold to outsiders residing in government housing. Forensic evidence, including DNA from drug equipment, corroborated the illegal activities. The evidence is deemed sufficient for prosecution, with the doctor facing disciplinary and criminal charges, including offenses under Section 157, possession and sale of psychotropic substances, money laundering, and potential asset seizure. Her professional license will be reviewed by the Medical Council for appropriate action.
The investigation will extend to all 11 clinics, which reportedly have multiple owners, to ascertain any involvement of other medical professionals. Further searches and a comprehensive statement are expected to follow.