Suspect found asleep in car with ketamine in Chiang Mai

2026-02-26 - 03:53

CHIANG MAI — 26 February 2026, A suspected drug user was found asleep in a car parked in a no-parking zone during rush hour near Nimmanhaemin intersection in Chiang Mai early on Thursday, police said. At 08:10, amid heavy morning traffic, Pol. Col. Manatchai Inthathuean, superintendent of the Traffic Police Division of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, was inspecting traffic conditions in the city with his driver. As the patrol passed a grilled chicken restaurant near the Nimmanhaemin intersection on Somphot Chiang Mai 720 Pi Road, the officer noticed a suspicious saloon car parked in a prohibited area during peak hours and decided to investigate. Officers found a man asleep inside the vehicle and coordinated with investigators from Phu Ping Chiang Mai Police Station to continue the operation. Ketamine that was found in the car with the sleeping suspect. Using standard police tactics, officers ordered the driver to step out of the vehicle for questioning. Noticing further suspicious behaviour, they conducted a thorough search of the car and discovered a substance resembling ketamine concealed inside. During initial questioning at the scene, the driver admitted the substance was an illegal drug. Pol. Col. Sinothai said additional patrol officers from Phu Ping Ratchaniwet Police Station were deployed to detain the suspect and seize the evidence before handing the case to investigators for further legal proceedings. The arrest drew praise from bystanders, who commended senior officers for their proactive approach in enforcing traffic regulations and preventing crime to ensure public safety in Chiang Mai.