Two Yakuza Members Arrested in Sukhumvit Soi 33 for Drug Dealing
Two Japanese men suspected of yakuza gang affiliation were arrested in Bangkok's Sukhumvit Soi 33 with 16 grams of crystal methamphetamine, prompting immigration officials to tighten visa controls and accelerate deportation procedures for f
Two Yakuza Members Arrested in Sukhumvit Soi 33 for Drug Dealing Immigration Chief Orders Stricter Visa Controls and Immediate Deportation
On May 2, 2025, the Investigation Division of the Immigration Bureau, under the command of Lieutenant General Phanumass Bunyalak, Immigration Bureau Commissioner, and Colonel Phanpol Vorthanachakul, Director of the Investigation Division, ordered Lieutenant Thawatchai Narinthart, Deputy Director of the Investigation Division, and his team to arrest two Japanese nationals: Mr. Yuya, 47 years old, and Mr. Naoto, 51 years old. They were charged with jointly possessing Category 1 controlled drugs (crystal methamphetamine) without authorization. The arrests were made in Sukhumvit Soi 33, Khlong Tan Nua Subdistrict, Watthana District, Bangkok, yesterday evening.
The operation followed intelligence reports that two tattooed Japanese men resembling yakuza gang members were conducting illegal drug sales to foreign clients in central Bangkok's business district, particularly in Sukhumvit Soi 33. Officers conducted surveillance until spotting the suspects arriving on a Honda ADV350 motorcycle and sidecar. Upon vehicle inspection, officers discovered 16.04 grams of crystal methamphetamine in plastic bags hidden in the front left storage compartment. Chemical testing confirmed the substance as methamphetamine.
Although both suspects denied ownership of the drugs during initial detention, authorities had conducted long-term surveillance with sufficient evidence to proceed. The suspects were transferred to Thonglor Police Station for legal proceedings.
The Immigration Commissioner revealed that foreign nationals with problematic behavior are increasingly concealing themselves in Bangkok and tourist destinations' condominiums and apartments while posing as tourists but engaging in illegal activities. The Immigration Bureau has consequently strengthened visa extension screening procedures. Those with criminal histories or socially harmful behavior will be denied continued residence and face immediate deportation. The public can report suspicious activity to the Immigration Bureau hotline 1178, available 24 hours.
