"나는 한국인 Jeong Jimin이야" 마약범 체포에 급당황한 태국 경찰

Thai Drug Lord 'Sarahat Sawongjaeng' Arrested on Site
Completely Different Face Due to Plastic Surgery... Name Also Changed to Korean Style
Police "Surprised to See Him Transformed into a Handsome Korean Man"

A Thai drug dealer who underwent multiple facial plastic surgeries to look like a Korean man, completely changing his face and even changing his name to a Korean one, evaded the law for three months before finally being arrested by local police.

On the 26th (local time), according to Thai local media The Tiger and The Straits Times, Bangkok police arrested 25-year-old 'Jeong Jimin' at a condominium in Bang Na district, Bangkok, last December.

Before (left) and after (right) plastic surgery of drug cartel boss Sarahat Sawangjaeng
[Photo by Royal Thai Police]

When the local police raided, he claimed to be Korean and gave the Korean name 'Jeong Jimin.' His appearance was also very different from the previous composite sketch. The police were taken aback. However, they soon confirmed that he was 'Sarahat Sawangjaeng,' known as a drug kingpin in Thailand.

Sawangjaeng is suspected of ordering MDMA (Ecstasy, a type of psychoactive drug) from Europe to Thailand via the internet 'dark web' and selling it in Bangkok.

In November last year, Thai customs discovered 2,575g of methylenedioxy methamphetamine and 290 Ecstasy pills ordered by Sawangjaeng from Europe. The local prosecution collected evidence and obtained an arrest warrant but failed to locate the suspect. Subsequently, the prosecution approached Sarahat through a sting operation and found his residence.

Investigations revealed that he had undergone plastic surgery over several years and changed his name to a Korean-style name to evade judicial authorities. Sawangjaeng had been arrested three times for the same offense but had a completely different appearance from when he was previously caught.

At the time of his arrest, Sawangjaeng said he wanted to move to Korea, stating, "I want to start a new life. I'm tired of Thailand."

The police involved in his arrest said, "There was not a trace of his original face left," and added, "He had transformed into a handsome Korean man, which was shocking."

The chief of Sammasuthi Police Station emphasized that Sawangjaeng was the host spreading drugs in Bangkok. He added, "(He is) a drug kingpin importing MDMA from Europe at only 25 years old," and said, "We believe there are more suspects abroad and will continue the investigation."