A 40-year-old Singaporean man was arrested at a condominium in Bangkok on Thursday, 3 September, after Thai police found crystal methamphetamine, hazardous chemicals and evidence that he had allegedly ordered highly toxic substances through the dark web.
Thai police said the man, identified in local reports as Joel, was wanted in Singapore over drug-related and other criminal cases.
During the raid in Bangkok's Bang Khae district, officers also found chemicals associated with explosives, ignition devices, gas canisters, cash and two mobile phones.
The substances have been sent for forensic examination.
Police Found Evidence of Dark-Web Poison Order
According to Thai newspaper Thairath and The Nation, investigators examining the man's phone found records indicating that highly toxic substances had been ordered through the dark web and paid for.
Police had been investigating the man after receiving information concerning his alleged drug use and behaviour in Thailand.
Investigators later located a woman who had previously spent time with him. Thai police said she alleged that the man had behaved violently towards her and had threatened to contaminate a condominium's water supply.
These remain allegations, and Thai authorities have not said that any poisoning actually occurred.
The information prompted investigators to examine the man's activities further before officers raided his condominium on 3 September.
Crystal Methamphetamine and Chemicals Seized
Police said officers found about 3g of crystal methamphetamine and drug-taking paraphernalia in the unit.
They also seized 200,000 baht in cash, two mobile phones and several hazardous chemicals that can be associated with explosives, along with ignition devices and gas canisters.
Thai police said preliminary assessments indicated that the chemicals recovered were insufficient to produce a lethal explosive device.
The materials have nevertheless been sent for further forensic testing.
Police Major General Teeradet Thammasuthee, a deputy commissioner of Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Bureau, also said investigators had so far found no evidence of a terrorism connection.
Man Claims Toxic Substances Were Intended for Himself
During questioning, the man claimed that he had obtained the toxic substances for the purpose of taking his own life, according to Thai police.
In line with responsible reporting on suicide, details about the substances and how they could potentially cause death have been omitted.
Thai police also said the man told investigators that he had left Singapore after becoming involved in another drug case in 2024.
The Nation reported that he was initially charged in Thailand with possession of a Category 1 narcotic, drug use and overstaying his permitted period in the country.
Investigators are still examining whether additional charges involving hazardous substances or explosives are warranted.
As of 4 September, Goody Feed could not locate a public statement from Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau independently confirming the details about the man's alleged criminal history or wanted status reported by Thai authorities.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, Samaritans of Singapore operates a 24-hour hotline at 1767 and 24-hour CareText service via WhatsApp at 9151 1767. Those in immediate danger should call 995 or 999.
