A 33-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested in Bangkok along with his Thai girlfriend and two other Thai women for allegedly trafficking KPods — vapes infused with the narcotic substance etomidate.
The man, identified only as Tommy by Thai media, was arrested together with his 24-year-old girlfriend at a luxury condominium located in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district. During the operation, Thai authorities seized 130 vapes and more than one million baht (around S$39,800) in cash.
According to reports by Khaosod English, Tommy faces serious charges, including trafficking a Category 2 narcotic and overstaying his visa in Thailand.
Etomidate Recently Classified as a Narcotic Substance
Etomidate, a drug traditionally used as an anaesthetic, was officially listed as a Category 2 narcotic in Thailand in July 2025 after health officials discovered its growing abuse in vaping products known locally as KPods. These vapes have become increasingly popular among young users, with authorities warning of severe health and legal consequences for possession or distribution.
Linked Arrests of Two Thai Women Led Police to the Singaporean
Thai police revealed that the Singaporean’s arrest followed an earlier operation in the Huai Khwang district, where two Thai women aged 22 and 27 were detained. The women reportedly admitted to selling the drug-laced vapes for between 1,800 and 2,000 baht (approximately S$72 to S$80) each, delivering between 50 and 100 units daily to customers across Bangkok.
During that raid, officers confiscated a BMW vehicle and several drug-related items.
Over S$330,000 Worth of Assets Seized in Total
Combining both operations, Thai authorities seized around 150 vapes, a quantity of ketamine, luxury items, and assets valued at over 8.3 million baht — equivalent to approximately S$331,000.
Thai Authorities Crack Down on Drug-Laced Vape Trade
Thai police have intensified efforts to dismantle illegal vape networks, particularly those involving foreign nationals. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the involvement of a Singaporean suspect and the high-value assets linked to the operation.
Tommy and the three Thai women remain in custody as investigations continue. If convicted, the Singaporean man faces lengthy imprisonment under Thailand’s strict narcotics laws, in addition to penalties for overstaying his visa.
Authorities have reminded the public that trafficking or distributing narcotic substances — even in the form of vapes — carries severe penalties under Thai law, including life imprisonment.