2,095 days: Israeli man arrested in Bangkok over drugging allegations

Bangkok police arrested a 54-year-old Israeli man on Friday after suspects him of drugging women he met through dating apps.

The arrest followed a joint operation by the capital's narcotics suppression unit and immigration police in the Huai Khwang district. Officers raided an apartment building where the suspect, identified by Thai media as Tomer Kahiri, was living.

Kahiri, known locally as Tom, Tommy, or Tom Yum Kung, had remained in Thailand for 2,095 days without a valid visa. This period amounts to nearly six years of overstaying.

The investigation began after a tip was received by the hotline of Thailand’s narcotics suppression authorities. The informant described an Israeli man with an eagle tattoo on his left arm who contacted women via apps and invited them to his home.

According to the tip, women reported experiencing hot flashes and increased sexual arousal after eating cakes prepared by the suspect. Police suspect the cakes contained drugs, though laboratory results confirming their contents have not been made public.

Major General Teeradet Thamsuthee, deputy chief of Bangkok police for narcotics suppression, led the investigation. During surveillance, officers observed numerous women entering and leaving the apartment. Police noted that Kahiri did not have regular employment and spent most of his time at home, but maintained enough funds to support himself.

During the raid, officers seized 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 50 packaging bags, an electronic scale, and a tray of cakes suspected of containing drugs. A mobile phone was also taken. Examination of the device revealed messages regarding the purchase of drugs for resale and numerous videos showing sexual encounters with different women on a sofa. Police alleged the encounters were filmed without the women's knowledge.

A 44-year-old Thai woman was arrested alongside Kahiri. She faces suspicion of possessing and using methamphetamine. Kahiri denied that the seized drugs belonged to him. During his arrest, he claimed connections to an influential person who could secure his release within two hours. He demanded the names of the officers involved and threatened to have them transferred or fired, alleging he also threatened to kill one officer.

Kahiri was accused of possessing a dangerous drug, overstaying his visa, refusing a drug test, and disobeying law enforcement. The police statement indicated he had not yet been formally charged with drugging women or secretly recording intimate encounters. Both suspects and the evidence were transferred to Huai Khwang police station for legal proceedings.

Thai media reports state that Kahiri denied all allegations. He described himself as a former Israeli soldier and textile export businessman. He said he has two children and moved to Thailand after separating from his partner because he loved the country and found its residents friendly.