Israeli man overstayed Thai visa by 2,095 days while facing drugging charges

Bangkok police arrested a 54-year-old Israeli man on October 23 on suspicion of drugging women through dating apps. Officers found the suspect, identified by Thai media as Tomer Kahiri, in an apartment in the Huai Khwang district. A joint operation involved the capital’s narcotics suppression unit and immigration police.

The investigation began after a tip reached Thailand’s narcotics hotline. The informant described an Israeli man with an eagle tattoo on his left arm. The tip stated he invited women to his home and served them cakes that caused hot flashes and increased sexual arousal. Police suspected the encounters were recorded without the women's consent.

Investigators determined the suspect had remained in Thailand without a valid visa for 2,095 days. He did not have regular employment but had enough money to support himself. Officers observed multiple women entering and leaving his apartment during surveillance. He was known locally by the nicknames Tom, Tommy, or Tom Yum Kung.

During the raid, officers seized 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine. They also took 50 packaging bags, an electronic scale, and a tray of suspected drugged cakes. A mobile phone was recovered and contained messages about buying drugs for resale. The device held numerous intimate videos of sexual encounters on a sofa, which police said were filmed without knowledge.

Laboratory results confirming the contents of the cakes had not been made public at the time of the report. The suspect denied the seized drugs belonged to him. He also refused to undergo a drug test. A 44-year-old Thai woman was arrested with him on suspicion of possessing and using methamphetamine.

Kahiri claimed during his arrest that he knew 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. He also threatened to kill one officer involved in the operation. Major General Teeradet Thamsuthee led the investigation as deputy chief for narcotics suppression.

The police charged the Israeli man with possessing a dangerous drug, overstaying his visa, and disobeying law enforcement. The Thai woman faced charges for possessing and using meth. Both suspects and the evidence were moved to Huai Khwang police station. Police did not formally charge the man with drugging women or non-consensual recording at that stage.

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