Authorities in Phitsanulok have apprehended a 47-year-old man, identified as Uthai Khanaphiwat, in connection with a drug trafficking operation that allegedly involved delivering heroin to a Thai flight attendant currently detained in Australia. Police state that the heroin was concealed within bags featuring an elephant print design.
Phitsanulok Arrest Details
Uthai Khanaphiwat, who is of Hmong ethnicity and hails from Nan province, was taken into custody on the evening of July 3rd at an old bus terminal located in the Mueang district of Phitsanulok. The arrest is a direct result of an investigation stemming from the detention of a Thai flight attendant, referred to as Meena, by Australian customs and federal police. Drugs were reportedly discovered in her possession upon arrival in Australia.
According to Narcotics Suppression Centre chief Samran Nuanma, investigators were able to trace Uthai’s alleged involvement through another individual, a 59-year-old driver named Atirach Supian. Uthai is accused of paying Atirach to transport a package to Meena at a condominium in the Bang Na area of Bangkok on June 22nd. This delivery is believed to be the conduit through which the heroin reached the flight attendant.
Evidence Collection and Confession
Following Uthai’s arrest, law enforcement officers escorted him to his rented accommodation on July 4th to secure and confirm evidence. Forensic specialists utilized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a method of infrared testing, on white powder found within torn elephant print fabric bags. The analysis confirmed the substance to be heroin. When questioned, Uthai reportedly acknowledged that the fabric bags had indeed contained the drugs.
Uthai confessed to traveling to Chiang Kham on June 20th to collect the heroin-filled bags, which he then stored at his residence. He stated that upon learning of Meena’s arrest in Australia, he took steps to destroy evidence. This included flushing the remaining heroin down a toilet and discarding some of the fabric bags. Law enforcement officials confirmed that items recovered on July 4th had been retrieved from the Soi Suea Yai area. Preliminary tests on these recovered items indicated a significant heroin residue, scoring nearly 900 out of a possible 1,000 points.
Drug Operation Details and Financial Motivation
During interrogation, Uthai revealed that he was paid approximately 60,000 Thai baht (equivalent to about US$1,650) for each delivery he facilitated. He claimed to have completed three such deliveries. His contact within the operation was reportedly through a LINE group, communicating with an individual using the code name ‘Rinrin’. Uthai stated he did not know the true identity of ‘Rinrin’ and did not personally pack the heroin. Instead, he claimed he was given pre-sealed bags that he then repacked for delivery. He also indicated that he used the same driver, Atirach, for all deliveries, communicating with the driver directly via phone rather than through the messaging application.
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Charges
The authorities are continuing their investigation and have not yet ruled out the possibility of Atirach Supian’s direct involvement in the drug trafficking scheme. Investigators are currently gathering further evidence before deciding whether to pursue additional arrest warrants. Police also confirmed that Uthai Khanaphiwat matches the description of an individual seen in CCTV footage wearing a blue hoodie. While clothing found during the searches was consistent with this description, Uthai reportedly stated that the specific hoodie worn on the day of the alleged delivery had since been discarded.
Uthai Khanaphiwat was escorted from his apartment around 5:10 PM. Addressing reporters present, he expressed remorse, stating, “Sorry to the air hostess, sorry for what I did, I’m really sorry.”
The specific charges against Uthai are still being finalized by the authorities. However, they are expected to encompass multiple drug-related offenses. The investigation is ongoing, with a primary focus on identifying other individuals involved in this drug network. Information regarding the case was reported by Matichon.
