BANGKOK: Thai immigration police announced on Wednesday (Nov 4) that Wan Chuanxin, a 29-year-old Chinese national wanted over the killing of three people in Dubai, had been arrested in Nong Khai on Oct 6. Officers reported finding about 5kg of white powder they identified as etomidate.
Thai investigators discovered that Wan was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for alleged involvement with others in the killing of three people in Dubai in June 2026.
Etomidate seized during Wan’s Mekong crossing
Nong Khai immigration officers and Ranger Company 2107 of the Surasak Montri Task Force found a bag containing approximately 5kg of white powder during Wan’s arrest, police said.
Officers identified the powder as etomidate, a Category 2 psychotropic substance under Thai law.
Wan was detained while travelling by long-tail boat from Laos across the Mekong River into Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai, according to police.
Wan was initially charged with entering Thailand without permission and possessing a Category 2 psychotropic substance without authorisation, according to immigration police.
Nong Khai immigration officers described etomidate as an ingredient used in illicit products known as “zombie drugs”, “K-pod” vapes and “happy water”.
Police trace Wan’s travel before planned UAE transfer
Police said Wan had travelled in and out of Thailand, Laos, the UAE, Cambodia and Vietnam while on the run before going into hiding in Laos.
Investigators believe Wan then crossed the Mekong outside an official checkpoint intending to hide in Thailand.
Wan’s arrest was discussed during a Nov 4 review of Immigration Division 4’s major cases by Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Phairat Phukcharoen, the division’s commander.
Pol Lt Col Thiyachapat Rangsipramanakul, deputy superintendent of Nong Khai Immigration, briefed the senior officers on the case.
The Immigration Bureau is preparing to coordinate Wan’s transfer to the UAE to face legal proceedings, according to the police account. - The Nation/ANN
