Thai footballer arrested for drug trafficking

Nimnon admitted to the crime and said he was regretful of his wrongdoing, according to Mekha News.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder will face a prison sentence and his football career is considered over.

Nimnon started playing football at the age of 9. He was called up to the U18 Thailand team in 2018. In the 2023-2024 season, Nimnon played for Bangkok United in the Thai League 1.

Nimnon’s career went downhill due to his addiction to online gambling. His life became worse when his daughter fell sick and died when she was just nine months old. He was arrested right after her funeral on Aug. 6, at a temple in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani Province.

Nimnon was identified as the one who drove a vehicle transporting more than 26 kg of crystal meth, including 15 kg of ketamine, from Bangkok to neighboring provinces. The player confessed to having been involved in a drug trafficking ring since early 2024.

Nimnon said he had no other choice because he needed money to cover his living expenses and medical expenses for his sick child.