Police Arrest Money Launderer in Drug Cartel Crackdown

Drug suppression police have continued their crackdown on the international drug trafficking network "Ball Khao Wised," arresting another member of a money laundering operation who was ranked as a priority suspect by the Royal Thai Police. On July 23, 2025, Police Lieutenant General Pathanasak Buphasawan ordered officers to arrest 27-year-old Kittisak (surname withheld) from Chiang Rai under arrest warrant number 103/2568, issued February 10, 2025, on charges of conspiracy to launder money. He was apprehended at a residence in Rim Kok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai.

The arrest follows Operation "Takedown Mafia Yan Rok," during which police dismantled the "Ball Khao Wised" drug trafficking network and seized assets valued at over 100 million baht believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking. Investigators discovered that the network used "mule accounts"—shell bank accounts—to receive drug proceeds before withdrawing cash and transferring funds to associates to disguise the money as legitimate income or investments.

Investigators also found that most cash withdrawals by the drug operation occurred in northern border areas, making it easier to smuggle money across to neighboring countries. After gathering sufficient evidence, authorities obtained court approval for additional arrest warrants. Police determined that Kittisak was one of the mule account holders used by the "Ball Khao Wised" network and was ranked 208th on the Royal Thai Police's priority fugitive list. He was hiding in Chiang Rai when arrested.

During questioning, Kittisak denied knowledge of criminal activity, claiming he had been paid thousands of baht per account to open them to support his family, and was unaware the accounts would be used for illegal purposes. Investigators remain skeptical and have transferred him to the Investigation Division for further legal proceedings.