Korean man arrested 'for smuggling drugs and illegal entry into Thailand'

A Korean tourist was arrested for allegedly entering Thailand illegally to smuggle drugs.

Jinjung Kim, 44, reportedly arrived in Thailand by crossing the border in neighboring Cambodia's Sa Kaeo province.

Officers were alerted to the alleged illegal alien and nabbed him at a housing estate in the Jomtien area of Pattaya on August 14.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensarn of Tourist Police Division 1 said: 'An investigation found that the suspect entered Thailand through a natural border. He was suspected of consuming and possessing drugs.'

Cops allegedly found in his room 1.5 grams of crystal meth, 0.4 grams of ecstasy, and drug paraphernalia. His passport also reportedly showed he did not enter Thailand legally.

The Korean allegedly admitted to owning the drugs. He was later taken to his condominium, but no other drugs were found.

A review of his travel history revealed that he had been prohibited from entering Thailand for 10 years, starting from December 27, 2019.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong said Jinjung Kim will be charged with 'entering the country without permission' and 'consuming and possessing narcotics Category I without permission.'

According to Thai law, carrying Category I drugs, including LSD and ecstasy, for 'disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal', has a maximum punishment of the death sentence or life in prison. The most severe punishments are reserved for those who 'produce of import' the substances, while simply possessing the drugs can land offenders in jail for up to 10 years.

Dealing the lesser Category 2 drugs, which include cocaine and ketamine, can carry a life sentence while possession alone has a punishment of five years.