Bangkok: Police from Huai Khwang Police Station and related agencies raided a Chinese pub illegally operating and found over 300 tourists, with six testing positive for drugs.
According to Thai News Agency, last midnight, officers from Huai Khwang Police Station, along with several agencies including the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Women and Child Protection Division, and the Immigration Bureau, led over 50 officers from the Phra Nakhon South Operations Unit to search an entertainment venue in Soi Pracha Uthit 11, Huai Khwang Subdistrict and District, Bangkok. This venue is notably popular among foreign tourists, especially Chinese.
During the raid, officials discovered over 328 male and female tourists, both Thai and foreign, partaking in the venue's offerings. Authorities swiftly ordered a cessation of all activities and secured the area. An inspection of the main hall revealed drugs in the possession of one Chinese male tourist and one Vietnamese female.
On the mezzanine floor, divided into four VIP rooms, officials found various groups of tourists. In the VIP V888 room, eight Chinese male tourists were encountered, while the VIP V999 room hosted 17 tourists, comprising 10 Chinese men, six Chinese women, and one Vietnamese individual. Methamphetamine was detected in two people and ketamine in another two. Additionally, four packets of Happy Water were discovered near a glass cabinet, but no one claimed ownership. Officials have coordinated with the forensic evidence unit to collect DNA samples to identify the owner.
Pol. Col. Prasopchok Iampinij, Superintendent of Huai Khwang Police Station, reported that the raid was initiated after receiving a tip-off about the illegal operation. The investigation revealed the venue's popularity with tourists, particularly Chinese, and its potential as a drug hub. In compliance with the policies of the Royal Thai Police and the Metropolitan Police Bureau, which mandate strict inspections of entertainment venues, the operation was coordinated with relevant agencies. The Immigration Bureau will inspect foreigners entering and exiting Thailand for work or leisure. Initial findings indicated no illegal activity, while the Office of the Narcotics Control Board will conduct drug tests on all tourists for methamphetamine, ecstasy, and ketamine.
Drug tests conducted on all 328 individuals resulted in positive drug findings for 122 Thai nationals and 206 foreigners, including Chinese and Vietnamese tourists. The venue, lacking a business license to operate or sell alcohol, led to the manager's arrest and a proposal for a five-year closure under NCPO Order 22/2558. The public is urged to report venues with significant foreign patronage to authorities to help deter crime.