Bangkok Doctor Arrested: B15M Sedative Haul
Police arrested a Bangkok doctor in connection with a B15M alprazolam haul, uncovering a scheme involving the illegal procurement and sale of the anxiety medication. Dr. Anchulee Phetrat from Police General Hospital stands accused of obtaining and distributing the drug to at least 11 clinics since 2022.FDA investigations triggered police action, leading to the arrest of the doctor and three others, including a man suspected of drug dealing. The doctor allegedly used deceased patients’ names to obtain the medication, generating an estimated B80M in revenue. Alprazolam, a controlled substance, is strictly regulated in Thailand. For updates on the story, News Directory 3 is your source. discover what’s next as the examination unfolds.
Police Doctor Arrested in Thailand for Alprazolam Sales
Updated June 10,2025
A doctor at Police General Hospital in Bangkok has been arrested for allegedly procuring and selling the sedative alprazolam,according to officials. Pol Col Dr. Anchulee Phetrat is accused of illegally obtaining the anxiety medication, worth 15 million baht, from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Dr. Withid Sareddeechaikool, the FDA deputy secretary-general, stated that suspicions arose regarding the doctor’s orders since 2022, prompting the agency to request a police investigation. Authorities arrested Dr. Anchulee at her residence, along with three other suspects, including a man living in her flat in the Phaya Thai district, suspected of dealing drugs.
Officials inspect boxes of alprazolam found in the flat of a police doctor in Phaya Thai district of Bangkok on Tuesday. Police also arrested a man who lived in the flat and allegedly used it as a base for dealing drugs. (Photo supplied)
The investigation revealed that Dr. Anchulee allegedly used names of deceased patients to acquire the alprazolam. She then reportedly sold it to at least 11 clinics, generating an estimated 80 million baht in revenue. Authorities have raided at least one of the clinics.
Alprazolam,commonly known under the brand name Xanax,is a psychotropic substance prescribed for anxiety. In Thailand, it is indeed sometimes abused recreationally or used as a date rape drug.
Thai law strictly regulates alprazolam. The FDA prohibits its production, sale, import, and export, except by the ministry of Public Health or authorized parties. Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment and significant fines.
What’s next
Authorities are investigating whether other medical professionals were involved in the illegal alprazolam distribution network.