Singaporean fugitive held in Bangkok after dark-web poison order

A range of explosive-related chemicals, including 0.5 kilogrammes of potassium nitrate, sodium metabisulphite, ammonia solution, nitric acid and borax, together with two ignition devices and five gas canisters.

Digital records showing an order for 20 grams of a highly potent toxic substance that police described as 10,000 times stronger than morphine, as well as 10 grams of a substance described as a euthanasia drug.

Police reported that the substances had been ordered through the dark web for THB18,000 and that payment had already been made.

Investigation began after hotline tip

The investigation began after the Office of the Narcotics Control Board’s 1386 hotline received a tip in late January that a Singaporean man using crystal methamphetamine had allegedly behaved violently towards women and confined them against their will.

Investigators spent several weeks gathering information in central Bangkok nightlife areas before locating a woman who police described as a previous victim.

According to investigators, the woman alleged that Joel regularly became violent, encouraged her to jump from a building and threatened to put poison into the condominium’s water tank.

Police subsequently examined further information and uncovered what they described as evidence that Joel had ordered a large quantity of highly toxic substances through the dark web. Investigators considered the potential risk serious enough to move ahead with the arrest.

Suspect claims substances were intended for suicide

During questioning, Joel admitted fleeing a drug case in Singapore in 2024 because he did not want to return to prison or face caning again, according to police.

He claimed he had arrived in Thailand with THB5 million but had later been cheated out of THB2.5 million by a friend. He also cited stress arising from problems in his relationship with his girlfriend.

Joel maintained that he had ordered the toxic substances and chemicals solely because he intended to take his own life, claiming that he purchased a large quantity because he feared a smaller amount might not be fatal.

Police find no evidence of terrorism link

Pol Maj Gen Teeradet reported that Joel was subject to special monitoring by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). Investigators initially believed his erratic behaviour might have been linked to drug use, and no evidence had so far been found connecting him to terrorism.

Police also determined preliminarily that the chemicals seized were insufficient to make a lethal explosive device. All of the substances have been sent for detailed forensic examination.

Joel was initially charged with possessing a Category 1 narcotic, using narcotics and remaining in Thailand after his permission to stay had expired.

Investigators are continuing their inquiries to determine whether further charges relating to explosives or hazardous substances should be made. – The Nation/ANN