Police Arrest Singaporean Man in Bangkok Over Alleged Poisoning Plot
A 40-year-old Singaporean man was arrested in Bangkok on drug and overstay charges after police found chemicals and online purchase records investigators are examining for possible links to a planned poisoning attack. The suspect has denied
Bangkok — Police have arrested a 40-year-old Singaporean man in Bangkok on drug and overstay charges after finding chemicals and online purchase records that investigators say are being examined for possible links to a planned attack.
The man, identified only as Joel, was detained at a condominium in Bang Khae on 3 September. He has been charged with possessing crystal methamphetamine, using methamphetamine, and overstaying his visa. Police said further charges relating to the chemicals and alleged orders of hazardous substances remain under investigation.
Officers seized about three grams of crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, 200,000 baht in cash, two mobile phones, several chemical substances, gas canisters, and two items described as detonating equipment.
Police said records found on the suspect's phone indicated that he had ordered highly toxic substances online. They said they were investigating information suggesting he may have considered contaminating a building's water supply, but stressed that the allegation has not been proven.
Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy commissioner Theeradej Thamsuthee said experts had advised that the chemicals recovered were not sufficient to make a lethal bomb. The substances have been sent for forensic testing.
The arrest followed an investigation that began after Thailand's Narcotics Control Board hotline received a tip in late January that a Singaporean national wanted in connection with drug offences was hiding in Thailand. Thai police said they later coordinated with Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau, which described Joel as a person under special monitoring with a history of drug and serious criminal cases. Thai authorities said he had been living in Thailand for nearly three years, allegedly posing as a student.
Investigators said they tracked him to the Bang Khae condominium after receiving information from a woman who alleged that he had acted violently towards her and made threatening remarks. The woman's account, including claims about his alleged plans, has not been independently verified.
Police said the suspect admitted to ordering the substances but claimed they were intended for self-harm. His statements have not been independently verified.
Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Siam Boonsom questioned the suspect after the arrest and ordered investigators to expand the case. Police urged anyone with information related to drugs or suspicious activity to contact the Narcotics Control Board hotline on 1386.
