Chiang Rai Police Arrest Key Figure in 'Ball Khao Wiset' Drug Syndicate

CHIANG RAI – Police have apprehended Kitisak, a 27-year-old man identified as a key suspect in the international drug syndicate known as the "Ball Khao Wiset" group. The arrest took place in Mueang district, Chiang Rai province, where he was found hiding in a local house. Kitisak was listed as suspect number 208 on the national police most-wanted list, with a court warrant issued in early 2025. Investigators revealed that the drug network employed a common tactic of paying ordinary citizens to open proxy bank accounts. These accounts were used to receive proceeds from drug sales, which were then withdrawn as cash, typically in Thailand's northern border areas, facilitating easy transfer into neighboring countries. The syndicate further concealed their illicit earnings by converting the cash into legal assets and real estate, making it exceptionally difficult for law enforcement to trace the money back to its drug-related origins. This arrest is part of a larger, ongoing police campaign, including the "Takedown Mafia" operation, aimed at dismantling the "Ball Khao Wiset" gang. Previous raids under this initiative had already resulted in the seizure of over 100 million baht in illegal assets. Upon his arrest, Kitisak admitted to opening bank accounts and handing them over, claiming he did so for a small fee of a few thousand baht to support his family. He denied any knowledge that the accounts would be used for illegal drug sales. Police remain unconvinced by his explanation and are continuing their investigation, promising to pursue the entire criminal group. Source: Chiang Rai Times