Bangkok cops have last laugh on Khao San Road’s laughing gas sales

Bangkok police discovered two entertainment venues on Khao San Road selling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, during a crackdown late on October 26. Officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and police officers from Phlapphla Chai 2 and Chana Songkhram Police Stations conducted inspections around 12.30am, pinpointing two nightclubs engaged in the illegal sale of gas in balloons.

The first venue, identified as Best Friend, was found with 36 boxes of nitrous oxide, 100 used silver canisters, eight gas cylinders, 1,500 mixed-sized balloons, and signs advertising the sale of laughing gas balloons.

At the second venue, known as Boozy, police uncovered 58 boxes of nitrous oxide, 105 used silver canisters, three gas cylinders, and two bags of mixed-sized balloons.

Dr Veerachai Nalwachai, Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, highlighted that these nightclubs violated the Drug Act of 1967. This law prescribes penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 10,000 baht (US$300) for such offences. Additionally, the sale of unregistered drugs can lead to an extra three years in prison, a fine of up to 5,000 baht (US$150), or both.

“Using nitrous oxide for recreational purposes can cause nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death,” Dr Veerachai warned, urging the public to report any instances of laughing gas sales, reported The Pattaya News.

The public can report incidents to the FDA hotline at 1556, via Line: @FDAThai, Facebook: FDAThai, email at 1556@fda.moph.go.th, or by mail to P.O. Box 1556, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11004. Reports can also be made to local provincial public health offices nationwide.

In related news, the Thai police intensified their crackdown on the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas balloons on Khao San Road, meanwhile also targeting foreign labourers hired by establishments to evade the law.

At 9pm on June 6, senior officers led an operation to inspect entertainment venues and restaurants along Khao San Road. The main focus was an establishment at the end of the street. Officials found a stash of laughing gas balloons and advertising materials promoting their sale.