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Drug advertising in Phuket: Foreigners arrested – police strike back!
On November 6, 2025, Phuket Police reported the arrest of a foreigner for drug advertising.
Drug advertising in Phuket: Foreigners arrested – police strike back!
In a revealing press conference on October 6, 2025, held at the Phuket Police Headquarters, senior officials announced the arrest of a foreigner who had attracted attention by spreading drug advertisements in the region. Among those present were Pol. Lt. Gen. Sinlert Kusum, Phuket Police Chief, and Mr. Chalermpong Sangdee, Phuket MP, Constituency 2. This action aims to maintain and strengthen the image of Phuket as one of the most valued tourist destinations, as reported by Top News.
The incident began with a tip received by Cherng Talay police on October 31, 2025. A foreign man had attached several stickers with drug content and QR codes to electricity poles. Thanks to surveillance cameras, the suspect was quickly identified. It was a Russian citizen who went by the name MR. SEMEN is known. He lived in a villa in Soi Patak 20, Karon, Phuket and was later arrested in Koh Samui, Surat Thani.
Investigations and prosecutions
The police immediately applied for an arrest warrant for the suspect, who now faces charges of advertising drugs without a permit. When he was arrested, his clothing and several evidence stickers were seized. This is just the first step in an extensive investigation aimed at uncovering the network behind it.
Amid these challenges, the police are taking comprehensive measures to ensure security in public areas and the digital space. Monitoring will be increased and cooperation with printing companies and business owners will be intensified in order to be able to easily report suspicious activities.
Drug trafficking and modern technologies
Modern technologies are an ever-increasing problem in the drug trade. Using QR codes and platforms like Telegram and Instagram helps criminals circumvent controls. This is how drug stash houses operate in several provinces, including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui and Bangkok. The Thai government aims to combat international drug trafficking while protecting tourism, which makes up an important part of the Thai economy.
Thailand, as one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, has always struggled with various challenges in the tourism sector. The fact that almost 66 million people live in this beautiful country and it is considered a developing country makes the issue all the more relevant. With the second largest economy in the region based heavily on tourism, it is in everyone's interest that Phuket remains a safe environment for vacationers to enjoy Thailand's magnificent nature and culture, as Wikipedia notes.
The police in Phuket have the right instinct to get the situation under control. It remains to be hoped that the investigation will progress quickly and that beautiful Phuket can continue to be a magnet for tourists.