Chiang rai: Myanmar has extradited nine Thai suspects involved in drug trafficking, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar in the fight against drug-related crimes. The handover ceremony took place at the Mae Sai River Bridge No. 1 permanent border crossing point in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, where Thai authorities officially took custody of the fugitives from Myanmar officials.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was led by Pol. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), alongside other high-ranking Thai officials, including Pol. Maj. Gen. Adul Loyfa and Mr. Chucheep Pongchai, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, among others. The extradition was facilitated by Pol. Brigadier General Thant Lwin Maung, Joint Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) of Myanmar, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the two nations in combating drug trafficking.
This development follows a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation in drug prevention and suppression. On July 25, 2026, General Paiboon Koomchaya, along with other Thai officials, visited Myanmar to discuss strategies for curbing drug trafficking. The discussions focused on border interdiction, control of precursor chemicals, intelligence sharing, and joint investigations to dismantle transnational drug networks.
In a subsequent visit to Thailand by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, President of Myanmar, on August 6-7, 2026, both nations reiterated their commitment to combating transnational crime. The discussions with Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Prime Minister, highlighted joint efforts in preventing online fraud and drug trafficking, and improving coordination in the fight against narcotics.
The extradition of the nine suspects, seven of whom are implicated in drug-related cases including three major traffickers, underscores the success of the joint efforts. Among those extradited are Ms. Chalanat, Mr. Boy, and Ms. Kulaporn, each facing arrest warrants from Thai courts. The operation also involved the capture of two individuals linked to other criminal activities.
The ONCB expressed gratitude to Myanmar and partner agencies for their support in dismantling drug networks. The ONCB remains committed to continuing its anti-drug operations both domestically and internationally, urging the public to report drug-related activities through their 24-hour hotline, ensuring informants' confidentiality.