BANGKOK – The Ramathibodi Poison Centre has issued a warning about a dangerous illicit drug known by the street names “Labubu” or “Khanom” (meaning “snack”), which reportedly circulated among revellers during the Songkran festival.
The pills are reportedly modelled after the popular plush toy character Labubu, created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung.
In a Facebook post on April 18, the centre reported that three individuals who attended water festival celebrations in Bangkok and used the drug experienced severe reactions, including unconsciousness, muscle spasms, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
Of these cases, two have died and one remains in the intensive care unit.
Preliminary findings suggest the drug may be a combination of a stimulant and a depressant, which could dangerously amplify each other’s effects.
But laboratory analysis is still under way to confirm the exact substances involved, the centre said.
It noted that a similar incident occurred in 2022 with the spread of “K Nom Phong” – a deadly drug cocktail that caused multiple fatalities across Thailand.
The centre warned that the current cases may be only the tip of the iceberg, as other related deaths may still be under forensic examination or involve patients in critical condition at other hospitals.
The authorities have since coordinated with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and academic networks working on drug-related issues to take further action.
The public is urged to remain vigilant, especially if friends or family members may have used such substances or still possess leftover drugs from the Songkran festivities.
The centre strongly warns against using these substances as they can cause death. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Join ST’s Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.