Chiang Mai club raided in Pa Cha Tek operation for serving underage drinkers
In the early hours of today, a popular club in Chang Phueak, Chiang Mai, was raided as part of the Pa Cha Tek operation. Led by Atsathit Sampantarat, Director of the Department of Provincial Administration, the operation was launched after the club was discovered to be allowing underage patrons, as young as 18, to enter and buy alcohol.
The operation was initiated at 12.30am as Halloween celebrations were in full swing. The club, named Le Nerve Pub, located in the Chang Phueak district of Chiang Mai, was notorious for serving alcohol to minors and operating beyond permitted hours, causing a nuisance to locals. Upon entry, nearly 300 revellers were found inside the club, the majority of whom were underage.
Atsathit highlighted that more than 90% of the patrons were young people, including students aged 17 to 19 from local educational institutions. He added that the club was filled with loud music and pulsating laser lights when the police arrived, causing panic among the young patrons who tried to escape through the front and back doors of the club. However, all exits were securely covered by the raiding team, preventing anyone from leaving, reported KhaoSod.
Once the music was stopped and the lights turned on, the police were able to identify the majority of the patrons as underage students. Those under 18 were taken into protective custody by the Chiang Mai Social and Human Security Development Office, who also notified their guardians.
The club’s operators face seven charges, including operating a service establishment without a permit, selling alcohol to minors, selling alcohol beyond permitted hours, and promoting inappropriate behaviour among minors.
Atsathit stated that the club had also violated the 22/2558 order of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). As a result, a proposal will be made to the Chiang Mai Governor to shut down the club for five years.
Law violation
Ronnarong Tipsiri, an inspector of the Department of Provincial Administration, stated that the two-storey wooden building had been illegally converted into a service establishment. With its low ceilings and lack of fire exits, a fire could lead to a tragic incident.
Ronnarong urged entertainment venue operators to conduct business responsibly and in compliance with the law, especially regarding the provision of services to minors and the prevention of drug use and weapon possession within their premises. He warned that any venue found violating these laws would face legal action and a possible five-year closure.
