Money Laundering Added to Drug Crimes
Pol Col Dr Anchulee Theerawongpaisal, a senior psychiatrist at Police General Hospital, now faces money laundering charges alongside accusations of running an illegal prescription drug network. The high-profile case has intensified scrutiny due to her role and the operation’s extensive reach.
Significant Drug Bust and Arrests
Over 170,000 Tablets Seized
Authorities arrested six additional suspects on Wednesday, confiscating 170,400 tablets of controlled substances, including alprazolam, zolpidem, flunitrazepam, clonazepam, and clorazepate. Pol Maj Gen Noppasit Mitpakdee of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau led the operation targeting Dr Anchulee’s alleged network.
FDA Spots Irregular Drug Purchases
Clinics Used as Cover for Scheme
The Food and Drug Administration identified suspicious orders of Schedule 2 and 4 psychotropic drugs, registered under 12 medical clinics. Investigations confirmed Dr Anchulee orchestrated these purchases, storing the drugs in her Phaya Thai district police flat for distribution across Bangkok and nearby areas.
Extent of the Criminal Network
Seven Suspects Detained
Seven individuals, including Dr Anchulee, are in custody, with the doctor opting against bail. Charges encompass illegal distribution of controlled substances, conspiracy for serious drug offenses, and trafficking, with money laundering charges forthcoming based on financial evidence uncovered during the probe.
Financial Irregularities Exposed
Fraudulent Use of Deceased Names
FDA deputy secretary-general Withid Sariddeechaikool revealed Dr Anchulee’s orders escalated from 1 million baht in 2022 to 11 million baht in 2024, with 8 million baht in 2025. The scheme exploited deceased individuals’ names in at least 370 instances to secure drugs fraudulently.
Professional Repercussions Underway
Suspension and Ethical Investigation
Dr Anchulee has been suspended from police duties, and Police General Hospital established a panel to probe her alleged ethical breaches and legal violations. The Medical Council of Thailand is also reviewing her license, focusing on professional misconduct allegations.
Crackdown on Drug Networks
Thailand Targets Organized Crime
This case underscores Thailand’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering operations, especially within trusted institutions. The investigation’s financial findings suggest connections to larger criminal networks, prompting calls for enhanced oversight in the medical field.
