KOH PHANGAN, Thailand – Thai police have arrested an Indian national accused of drug trafficking, illegal firearm activity, and overstaying his visa after videos surfaced online showing foreign men posing with guns and practicing target shooting on Koh Phangan island. On May 23, Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma, Deputy National Police Chief and Director of the Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration Suppression Center, ordered a major crackdown led by senior officers from Provincial Police Region 8.
Police raided a property in Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, and arrested 33-year-old Indian national Mr. Shabeelkunnon on charges of overstaying his visa, possession of Category 1 narcotics including crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, and MDMA with intent to sell, possession of Category 2 ketamine with intent to sell, and illegal drug use involving methamphetamine and ketamine. Authorities seized large quantities of narcotics during the operation. Another suspect, identified as Apidech Kongman, was also arrested with a firearm and additional drugs.
The operation followed an earlier May 13 crackdown targeting foreign-owned nominee businesses on Koh Phangan, which prompted local residents to provide information about foreigners allegedly dealing drugs and frequently firing weapons near a durian plantation in Ban Tai subdistrict. Investigators later identified the main suspect as Mr. Shabeelkunnon. When officers arrived at the property on Friday, they found three houses and were told the suspect was returning shortly. Police hid nearby until the suspect arrived on a dirt bike. Upon spotting officers, he allegedly attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
A search uncovered nine bags of narcotics concealed inside a pink pouch in his pocket, along with drug paraphernalia. Police said the suspect displayed an obsession with firearms and frequently posed for photos with both handguns and rifles. Officers also found spent shell casings and shooting targets at the property, indicating regular firearms training sessions. A search of his mobile phone allegedly revealed photographs listing various narcotics alongside clearly marked prices, which investigators believe were linked to drug distribution activities on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Both suspects were transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.
