Ubon Ratchathani: Cyber police launched an operation to raid a kratom shop in front of an educational institution in Ubon Ratchathani Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was initiated under the directive of several high-ranking officials, including Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, with support from Pol. Gen. Thana Chuwong and Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut. The effort was spearheaded by Pol. Lt. Gen. Akkaradech Pimolsri and Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Atchariyapradit, focusing on suppressing technology crimes and online gambling.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, has been actively promoting the Cyber Patrol Project to combat online crimes. The raid was part of this initiative, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatchapan Kan Klaiklueng and several deputy commanders, including Pol. Col. Kampee Phromsanthi, Pol. Col. Phatthana Chayawat, Pol. Col. Pornnarong Suriyachaiwong, and Pol. Lt. Col. Natthaphong Phromphrai. These efforts were supervised by Pol. Col. Morakot Saengsakoo, who directed the raid on the shop selling kratom juice to students.
The investigation began following a tip-off about a 24-hour kratom shop. Further information from the Cyber Patrol revealed a Facebook page advertising the shop, targeting youths and students. An undercover agent from the Technology Crime Suppression Division 3 confirmed the activity by purchasing a liter of kratom. The shop was identified as opposite the university, and the owner, Mr. Singha (assumed name), was arrested with 310 bottles of kratom in various flavors. The evidence was seized, and legal action is being pursued by the Warin Chamrap Police Station.
Pol. Col. Morakot Saengsakoo emphasized the legal precautions regarding kratom, which was removed from the list of Category 5 narcotics in August 2021. Despite this, the sale of kratom mixed with other substances, especially near educational institutions, remains illegal. He noted that kratom products must be licensed under the Herbal Products Act B.E. 2562, and violators will face prosecution.