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Workers’ camp raids net six for meth

PHUKET: Raids on two workers’ camps in central Phuket have resulted in the arrests of two Myanmar nationals and one Thai after six Myanmar workers tested positive for meth use.

drugscrime
By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 1 May 2025 10:00 AM


 

The raids were carried out as a coordinated operation targeting two worker camps in Srisoonthorn on Tuesday evening (Apr 29), reported the Thalang District Office.

The operation resulted in several drug-related arrests and “health inspections” involving around 150 workers, the office reported.

The raids, conducted between 5.30pm and 7pm, were led by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun and Deputy District Chief Wisut Romin.

The task force included local administrative officers, police from Thalang Police, immigration officials, health personnel, employment officers and security personnel from the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor).

During the inspection, officials conducted random health screenings and checks on work permits and passports. No illegal items were found during this phase of the operation, reported the Thalang District Office.

However, six Myanmar nationals tested positive for drugs in random urine tests. Officials recorded the incidents, informed employers and launched further investigations to trace the source of the drugs.

Further searches uncovered 27 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) and approximately 2.29 grammes of crystal meth (ya ice). One Thai and two Myanmar nationals were arrested in connection with the discovery and handed over to Thalang Police for legal proceedings, the Thalang District Office report confirmed.

Additionally, six motorcycles were seized and taken to Thalang Police Station for verification against reports of stolen vehicles.

Officials also assessed the living conditions in the camps, offering advice on hygiene, safety and compliance with district regulations, according to the report.

Local leaders, including village headmen (Phu Yai Baan), were instructed to monitor the situation closely and ensure continued supervision of worker accommodations. 

The operation is part of an ongoing effort “to improve the safety and regulation of migrant worker housing in Phuket”, the Thalang District Office said in its report.