Phuket –
Police arrested a 40‑year‑old man identified as Mr. Damrong on the Coral Island south of Phuket, after he tested positive for methamphetamine use. Later checks revealed he was also wanted under two separate court warrants for fraud and technology‑related crimes, with damages exceeding one million baht.
The Phuket Marine Police told the Phuket Express that the arrest occurred during a special operation to boost tourist safety at sea. Police teams were conducting random drug tests among crew members of passenger vessels. While inspecting the tour boat, officers noticed Mr. Damrong behaving suspiciously. A urine test confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, which he admitted to using earlier.
Further database checks uncovered outstanding warrants from Amnat Charoen Provincial Court and Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court. The charges stem from his role as a “money mule”, opening or allowing others to use his bank accounts to funnel money from online investment scams. Victims were tricked into transferring funds, causing losses of more than one million baht.
Investigators believe Mr. Damrong fled and hid by working aboard the tourist vessel until his arrest. He was taken into custody and handed over to Chalong Police Station for legal proceedings. He confessed to drug use but denied involvement in the fraud cases.
