Bangkok bust: Israeli suspect faces drugging and visa charges

A 54-year-old Israeli man was detained in Bangkok on Friday after police alleged he drugged women with cake and recorded their sexual encounters. The arrest followed a multi-agency raid in the Huai Khwang district that uncovered methamphetamine, packaging supplies, and intimate video files on a suspect’s mobile phone.

Thai authorities identified the man as Tomer Kahiri. Local media noted he operated under aliases including “Tom,” “Tommy,” and “Tom Yum Kung.” He was held alongside a 44-year-old Thai woman. Investigators found that Kahiri had remained in the country for 2,095 days without a valid visa, a period spanning nearly six years.

The case originated from a tip sent to the hotline of Thailand’s narcotics suppression authorities. The informant described an Israeli man with an eagle tattoo on his left arm. The tip stated the man contacted women via dating applications and invited them to his residence. Victims reportedly experienced hot flashes and increased sexual arousal after eating cakes he prepared. Police suspected the food contained substances that facilitated the encounters and that the suspect filmed the acts without the women’s consent.

Major General Teeradet Thamsuthee, deputy chief of Bangkok police for narcotics suppression, led the investigation. His team worked with immigration police to track the suspect. Surveillance showed frequent female visitors entering and leaving the apartment. Police noted Kahiri did not hold regular employment but maintained enough funds to support himself.

Officers executed the joint operation involving the capital’s narcotics unit and immigration police. The raid resulted in the seizure of 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 50 packaging bags, and an electronic scale. A tray of cakes suspected of containing drugs was also taken. A mobile phone contained messages regarding drug purchases for resale and numerous videos of sexual encounters on a sofa.

Kahiri denied ownership of the seized narcotics during his arrest. He claimed he had connections to an influential figure who could secure his release within two hours. He demanded the names of the officers involved and threatened to have them transferred or fired. Police alleged he also threatened to kill one officer present during the raid.

The man faces charges for possessing a dangerous drug, overstaying his visa, refusing a drug test, and disobeying law enforcement. The Thai woman arrested with him is suspected of possessing and using methamphetamine. Authorities have not yet filed formal charges for drugging women or recording intimate encounters without consent. Both suspects and the evidence were moved to the Huai Khwang police station for further legal proceedings.

Thai media reports indicate Kahiri denied all allegations. He described himself as a former Israeli soldier and businessman in textile exports. 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.