Drug Dealer Arrested for Using Mother's ID to Launder Meth Payments
A 32-year-old Bangkok drug dealer was arrested for distributing methamphetamine using his mother's stolen identity to launder payments, and also running an online scam that defrauded victims of nearly 1.4 million baht.
On July 23, police arrested Panuwan, 32, on an arrest warrant issued May 25 for drug trafficking and conspiracy charges involving methamphetamine distribution for commercial purposes. The suspect operated as a meth dealer in Bangkok's Din Daeng district, distributing drugs to customers on an installment basis while directing payments to his mother's bank account—which he had fraudulently opened using her stolen national ID card without her knowledge.
Investigators also uncovered a parallel online fraud operation in which Panuwan and associates lured victims through social media, claiming they could earn money by completing simple tasks. Victims were told to send deposits upfront, promising they would receive both their principal and commission upon task completion. From May to June 2566, multiple victims transferred funds but were unable to withdraw their money. One victim lost 967,871 baht; another victim in Phatthalung Province lost more than 400,000 baht. When police first questioned Panuwan about the Phatthalung case, he initially denied involvement and promised to meet investigators but then fled. Detectives tracked him to Din Daeng, where they apprehended him. During questioning, Panuwan confessed to all charges and was transferred to Din Daeng police station for legal proceedings.
