Police raid karaoke bar, find underage workers and drugs

Police raided a prominent karaoke bar and discovered underage workers, illegal drugs, and evidence of human trafficking. They arrested the manager and began legal proceedings following the troubling findings.

In the early hours of yesterday, July 24, Puttipong Sirimat, the Governor of Chiang Rai, led a team of officials in a raid on a karaoke bar in Ban Du, Mueang Chiang Rai District alongside Ballangk Vaisiri, the Chiang Rai provincial clerk, Boonsong Tinaree, the Chief District Officer of Mueang Chiang Rai, Poice Major General Manop Senakool, the Chiang Rai Provincial Police Commander, and Police Colonel Ananchak Kanoknaphawat, the Superintendent of Ban Du Police Station.

The raid followed complaints from the International Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation, which alleged that the establishment was employing minors under 18 years old to serve customers. Further investigations revealed that patrons could engage in inappropriate activities with the minors, constituting human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

The venue was also reportedly involved in drug distribution and usage, operating well into the early morning hours. The police conducted multiple undercover operations to gather evidence. Preliminary investigations identified four underage sex workers, corroborating the complaints. A subsequent raid was planned and executed.

At 11pm the previous night, undercover agents were sent in again to confirm the illegal activities. By 1.15am, officials entered the karaoke bar, which was a single-story building with eight VIP karaoke rooms and a central hall with over 10 tables. The establishment was still operational at the time of the raid. During the inspection, eight sex workers were found, including a 16 year old girl.

Additionally, drugs such as ecstasy and ketamine were discovered on individuals sitting at a table with the bar’s manager and on several patrons. The VIP rooms also contained a significant amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Further investigation revealed that some of the sex workers were using drugs with customers. Urine tests on the workers showed three positive results for drug use. The manager of the bar was identified, and a review of licenses revealed only a permit for alcohol sales.

Consequently, the manager was charged with operating an unlicensed service establishment, employing minors without notifying labour inspectors, encouraging inappropriate behaviour in minors, and selling alcohol beyond legal hours, reported KhaoSod.

The suspects and seized items were taken into custody for legal processing. Meanwhile, a multidisciplinary team is interviewing the identified minors to determine if they are victims of human trafficking.