Bangkok nightclub raided for illegal operation and drug use

A prominent nightclub was raided by a team led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, today for violating the law by operating beyond the legal hours and allowing drug use on premises. The operation carried out at 2.20am, was also joined by Ansit Samphantharat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Ronnarong Thipsiri, Inspector-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, Police Major General Wichai Narong, Deputy Commander of Division 4, Police Major General Setthaphan Srisakorn, Commander of Chokchai Police Station, and Suwanna Wongwanich, Chief of the News Analysis and Monitoring Section.

The joint operation force, consisting of special task force from the Department of Provincial Administration, officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and officers from the Ladprao District Office, along with police from Chokchai Police Station, inspected the Sonic nightclub located on Pradit Manutham Road in Ladprao district, Bangkok. This followed a tip-off that the nightclub was operating without a permit, beyond legal hours, and was a hotspot for drug use.

During the search, the premises were found to be a single-story building with a hall set up with tables for alcohol consumption. There were 220 male and female patrons enjoying music and dancing. The officers ordered the music to be turned off and announced an identity and drug check. Some patrons tried to escape, but officers had surrounded all exits. Initial checks revealed that the establishment had no service permit, reported KhaoSod.

Plastic bags containing various types of drugs such as ecstasy, ketamine, ice, and happy water, along with drug paraphernalia, were found scattered on the floor. These were seized as evidence. All patrons were checked for ID and subjected to a urine test.

Anutin revealed that this inspection found 220 patrons, 100 men and 120 women. The establishment’s operation permit had expired in 2020 but it continued to operate beyond legal hours until the present. He further stated that various types of drugs were found on the premises, such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, ice, ketamine, and happy water. There was also a designated area for patrons to consume drugs, hidden away in the bathroom.

The number of drug users is still being verified and will be announced later. An initial order has been issued to close the establishment for five years as per order No. 22/2558 of the National Council for Peace and Order. The case will be handed over to the Metropolitan Police for further legal proceedings and efforts will be made to trace the actual owner of the establishment.

Moreover, Anutin confirmed that this raid was in line with the government’s economic stimulus policy, which allows entertainment venues to open until 4am. He reminded other operators to always have their operation permits in place and strictly abide by the law.

Out of the 214 patrons, one was under 20 years old and seven didn’t carry an ID card. Initial findings revealed 122 patrons with purple urine, indicating drug use. This included 76 men and 46 women, all of whom were handed over to investigators at Chokchai Police Station for further proceedings.