M'sian man, 47, arrested in Thailand for allegedly attempting to smuggle 22.8kg of cannabis buds to S'pore

A 47-year-old Malaysian man was arrested at Samui International Airport in Thailand for allegedly attempting to smuggle a bag containing 22.8kg of cannabis buds to Singapore on Mar. 12, 2025.

According to Bangkok Post, the accused, Tan Chin Tick, had apparently been hired to do so for 45,000 baht (S$1,782).

Arrested alongside 4 British nationals

At the time of his arrest, Tan was checking in for his flight to Singapore with four other British nationals, Mark Siemaszkiewics, 46, Richard McMahon, 46, Peace Adefila, 27, and Esther Fakuade, 26.

All five of them were arrested after Thai police allegedly found a total of 144kg of cannabis buds in their seven suitcases.

Besides Singapore, some of the cannabis buds were apparently destined for the United Kingdom (UK).

Thai police said the four British nationals had allegedly planned to bring the cannabis buds to the UK by taking another flight from Singapore.

The British nationals apparently told Thai police that they were asked by "Thai men" to bring cannabis buds to the UK in exchange for either debt repayment or a compensation of £2,000 (S$3,458).

4 more foreigners arrested on Mar. 13

On Mar. 13, one day after the five individuals were caught, Thai police arrested four more foreigners at Samui International Airport who were believed to be linked to their case, reported Bangkok Post.

According to Thai police, the four accused were found to be carrying suitcases containing 110kg of cannabis buds.

They were identified as Dutch national Faesel Martires Modest, 58, Romanian national Paul Marian David, 48, and two British nationals, Shaun Eric Bainbridge, 36, and Mark Searonsmith, 23.

Thai police said the four accused had planned to fly to Hong Kong, where they would board another flight to the UK before leaving for Germany.

According to the four accused, they were apparently offered a free trip to Thailand, which included complimentary meals and accommodation, in exchange for bringing the suitcases to their destinations.

They alleged the suitcases were brought to their hotel by "a Thai", and they would get paid upon reaching their destinations.

Thai police have now stepped up their investigation to locate those involved in organising the operation and recruiting foreign smugglers.

Top image via Naewna