Koh Phangan, Surat Thani– Thai tourist police raided a luxury villa on the popular island of Koh Phangan, dismantling an overnight drug-fueled party and arresting four Israeli nationals. Authorities seized substantial quantities of cocaine and ketamine, along with other narcotics, in what officials describe as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on international drug-related activities in tourist hotspots.
The operation took place in the early hours of January 11th, 2026, at an upscale in Moo 4 in the Koh Phangan Subdistrict. Police from the Tourist Police Unit 5, coordinating with local authorities, stormed the property following intelligence indicating suspicious activities involving drug use and distribution during an all-night gathering.
Inside the villa, officers discovered white powder scattered across tables, later confirmed as cocaine (3.32 grams found initially at the scene) and ketamine (28.99 grams), alongside MDMA (ecstasy) powder (0.86 grams) and 29 electronic cigarettes suspected of being used for drug consumption. Two Israeli women, identified as Michal (24) and Jennifer (23), were apprehended at the location. Another unidentified male Israeli suspect was arrested at the same location.
Further investigation led police to extend the raid to a nearby residence belonging to Regev, (48), an Israeli national accused of being the supplier. At his property in Moo 6, authorities seized additional drugs: 33.36 grams of cocaine, 16.07 grams of ketamine, and 23 MDMA pills (plus 10.39 grams of MDMA powder), along with 79,000 baht in cash.
All four suspects were charged with serious offenses under Thailand’s Narcotics Act. These include possession and distribution of Category 1 narcotics (such as MDMA) and Category 2 substances (cocaine and ketamine) for both personal use and sale. The supplier faces the heaviest penalties, which could include lengthy prison terms under Thai law, known for its strict stance on drug trafficking.
The group is a suspected transnational drug network targeting foreign tourists on the island. The suspects reportedly sourced drugs via messaging apps like WhatsApp, selling them at inflated prices (around 4,500 baht per gram) to partygoers. Authorities believe the operation supplied recreational drugs to the expatriate and tourist communities in Koh Phangan, a destination popular for its beaches and nightlife.
Thai officials have stressed zero tolerance for drug offenses by foreigners, with potential deportation and blacklisting following legal proceedings. The Israeli Embassy in Bangkok has been notified, as is standard in cases involving foreign nationals.
Tourism police continue to urge visitors to comply with local laws, warning that drug-related activities carry severe consequences in Thailand, regardless of nationality. The investigation remains ongoing, with possible links to broader international networks under review.
