Authorities in Pattaya are searching for three Russian men suspected of stealing 2 kilograms of premium organic cannabis worth approximately 160,000 baht (around USD 4,900) from a cannabis clinic in Banglamung district earlier this month.
The theft occurred on the evening of July 4 at around 9 p.m. According to Chuwanchom Panboon, the 55-year-old clinic owner, the men arrived speaking Russian and expressed interest in purchasing a large quantity of high-quality cannabis. After about 30 minutes of negotiation, they agreed on a price.
Chuwanchom explained that while she briefly turned away to prepare the necessary paperwork—a common procedure in Thailand for significant cannabis transactions—the suspects took the opportunity to grab the cannabis and leave the clinic.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the clinic shows the men entering at 9:27 p.m. and departing in a hurry 30 minutes later. One of them was carrying a backpack believed to contain the stolen goods. The group left the scene in a blue Ford sedan and drove away along Soi Khao Talo, a local street in East Pattaya.
The incident quickly gained public attention after a local resident posted images of the suspects and their vehicle on Facebook. The post went viral, encouraging residents to report any sightings. A cash reward has been offered for information leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Pattaya police are actively investigating the case and have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. The theft has sparked frustration among local business owners concerned about security and accountability within Thailand’s rapidly evolving cannabis industry. The clinic owner is appealing to the community for assistance in ensuring the suspects are apprehended and held responsible.
