Overview
- Tha Luang district police carried out the disguise operation at a street festival in Lopburi in late May and arrested a man identified as Mekha Fa-wap-wap, who remains in custody.
- Officers said they found and seized 53 methamphetamine pills, more than 200 small plastic bags believed for distribution, and a mobile phone linked to an alleged online slot operation.
- Police charged the suspect with possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell and operating an unlawful online gambling platform and have handed the seized items to investigators as evidence.
- Tha Luang police posted a photo of the officers in costume with a joking caption that went viral online, giving the operation wide public attention beyond the arrest itself.
- The stunt fits a wider pattern this year of Thai units using disguises — including lion and dragon dance costumes at temple fairs — a practice authorities say helps them blend into crowds and surprise suspects.