DSI Seizes 77 Million Baht in Ranong Drug Bust
DSI led a joint operation in Ranong province that seized assets worth about 77 million baht linked to the Kokhao transnational drug network. Officers confiscated 16 fishing boats, land, roughly 30 vehicles and over 50 bank accounts during raids on September 30–October 1, 2069. Officials said they will pursue the network’s leaders and financiers and work to cut off maritime drug‑smuggling routes.
From September 30 to October 1, 2069, officers from the involved agencies raided five targets in Ranong province. They seized 16 fishing boats, plots of land with structures, approximately 30 cars and motorcycles, and more than 50 bank accounts. The combined value of the confiscated assets is estimated at 77 million baht.
After the operation, Permanent Secretary of Justice Piyasiri Wattanawongkunkul, Narcotics Control Board Secretary‑General Suriya Singkhon, Ranong Governor Rachan Meenoi, Deputy Director‑General of the Department of Special Investigation Vishan Imtrakoon, and DSI Narcotics Division Director Wittasat Sukhantros, together with representatives from Royal Thai Navy Fleet 3, Ranong Provincial Police, the 25th Infantry Regiment Special Task Force, and provincial officials, held a press briefing to announce the results.
Piyasiri said the operation is only the beginning; authorities will continue to integrate data to reach the network’s leaders and financiers, pursue arrest warrants, and apply asset‑forfeiture measures under the law. He emphasized the policy of “hold fast, seize assets, break the cycle” to prevent the syndicate from reusing its wealth to fund further crimes.
Vishan Imtrakoon added that DSI will strengthen maritime intelligence exchange and cooperate with foreign law‑enforcement agencies to shut down sea‑based drug‑smuggling routes and track those behind the international trafficking network.
Suriya Singkhon explained that the Kokhao network, led by Myanmar national Soras, has been active since 2065. The Narcotics Control Board has worked with Myanmar counterparts to map a clear division of labour: sourcing drugs from production areas, arranging transport, and handling finances.
