Rayong: Two siblings from a transnational crystal meth trafficking gang have been arrested with 2.4 tons of crystal meth. The Central Investigation Bureau apprehended the brothers, Mr. Pariwat and Mr. Piti, who were involved in a drug trafficking network that utilized a tourist boat to evade detection. This method of smuggling used Thai waters near the mouth of the Prasae River in Rayong province as a starting point before the drugs were sent southward and eventually to Australia.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest of Mr. Pariwat and Mr. Piti from Rayong Province was based on charges of jointly selling Category 1 narcotics along a roadside and on a fishing boat in the Ao Khanom area of Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Authorities seized 2,399 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ice) during this operation.
The operation, which took place in June 2025, was a joint effort involving the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and multiple agencies. The smuggling operation was disguised using a tourist boat to transport the drugs through Thai waters, which served as a critical point for shipments heading to southern Thailand and then to Australia.
Financial investigations revealed that Mr. Preewat was in charge of directing the crew and overseeing the drug trafficking activities. His brother, Mr. Piti, managed the crew's coordination, handled finances, and procured STARLINK equipment for the vessels within the network. Both brothers used their fishing business as a cover for their activities. Following the issuance of arrest warrants, the suspects were handed over to DSI investigators for further proceedings.