Ko Phangan Police Arrest Drug Dealer Before Full Moon Party
Police arrested a 36-year-old drug dealer on Ko Phangan with 2,000 methamphetamine pills ahead of the Full Moon Party, part of a crackdown on trafficking in the tourist area.
Surat Thani Provincial Police conducted a drug crackdown operation ahead of the Full Moon Party on Ko Phangan, resulting in the arrest of Montree Maneesoti, 36, on July 29, 2026. Police Major Jarumshai Boongkliang, working with Surat Thani Provincial Police officers and the investigation unit at Ko Phangan Police Station, apprehended the suspect while he was carrying a plastic bag containing methamphetamine pills. Officers seized 2,000 pills and one mobile phone as evidence.
Montree was caught on a road near a workers' dormitory in Ko Phangan subdistrict, Ko Phangan District, Surat Thani. Police said they had received intelligence that he was engaged in illicit drug trafficking in the area. During interrogation, he confessed to the charges before being transferred to Ko Phangan Police Station for prosecution.
The suspect faces charges including drug distribution for commercial purposes, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, and operating a motorcycle under the influence of methamphetamine. The operation was authorized by provincial police leadership as part of a broader policy to reduce drug trafficking in tourist areas, particularly preventing the spread of drugs between foreign nationals and between foreigners and Thai citizens ahead of the upcoming Full Moon Party celebration.
