BANGKOK, Thailand – Police from the 191 patrol division have seized 687 cylinders of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, during a raid on a rented room in Bangkok’s Sathorn area on October 16.
The operation, ordered by Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasong Anmanee, commander of the Special Patrol Division, resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old man identified as Narubet Chaicharoenphong.
Officers also seized 28,800 nitrous oxide cartridges, 10,000 assorted coloured and scented nozzles, 40,000 balloons, hundreds of packaged balloon sets featuring cartoon and rainbow designs, digital scales and a plastic bag-sealing machine.
Police said the raid followed a tip from a member of the public alleging that laughing gas was being sold illegally at the premises. During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted that he worked as a caretaker and received a monthly salary of 30,000 baht. He claimed that a Chinese national was the main financier behind the operation.
Police are continuing their investigation to identify and arrest other people allegedly involved.
The suspect was charged with selling modern medicine, identified as nitrous oxide or laughing gas, without a license. He was handed over to Yannawa Police Station for legal proceedings.
