Businessman Piyawat Chanthorn, 21, said he did not even know that the bike, which had a starting price of Bt650,000, belonged to Akarakit.

Piyawat said he bought the bike for his brother, who has a passion for BMW machines.

“The winning price is about Bt100,000 cheaper than in the market. It’s worth the price as the general condition of it looks new, although the mileage is already 9,000 kilometres,” he said.

“I felt stunned to learn that Akarakit was the previous owner. I have heard about the case from the media, but I felt nothing about that as I bid because I wanted to get the bike and the price was within my limit.”

The bike was among the items that went under the hammer at the Office of the Narcotics Control Board on Sunday. They had been seized during raids by officials investigating drug-related cases.

Akarakit has been linked to Laotian drug kingpin Xaysana Keopimpha, who is now in police custody. Akarakit denies knowing Xaysana.

A Bt20-million Lamborghini sports car that previously belonged to Akarakit was offered at a starting price of Bt12 million, but attracted no bids.

Potential bidders for the supercar may have been put off by having to deposit 25 per cent of the starting price, or Bt3 million. This and other unsold items will be put up for auction at a later sale.