Koh Pha Ngan shopkeeper’s laughing gas caper goes up in smoke

A Koh Pha Ngan shopkeeper has been caught red-handed peddling balloons stuffed with nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, without a licence, and it’s no laughing matter!

Rangsiman Jaisamer was busted by police in his Haad Rin shop early today, August 22, where officers discovered two cylinders of the giggly gas and a stash of balloons ready for sale.

The 29 year old confessed he was cashing in on the skyrocketing price of nitrous oxide as the Thai police ramped up their crackdown. The gas, known for its euphoric effects, has been a party staple, but Rangsiman’s high-flying business is now in serious trouble.

While nitrous oxide is used in medical settings for its anaesthetic properties, it seems Rangsiman’s laughter has turned to tears. His ballooning business is deflated, and he’s left facing a hefty fine for his ‘high’ crimes, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Thai police swooped on the illegal sale of nitrous oxide on Khao San Road in June.

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.

They seized numerous balloons and cans of laughing gas as evidence. Several foreign workers were detained for questioning regarding their legal status in the country.

Meanwhile, in a late-night operation in the Mueang district of Chiang Mai, police and officials carried out a raid on beer bars located near a boxing stadium on Loi Kroh Road. The establishments were alleged to be selling balloons filled with laughing gas to patrons and tourists.

The raid, which involved about 100 police officers and consumer protection officials, resulted in the confiscation of numerous gas cylinders and gas-filled balloons from five beer bars situated in the city’s centre. During the operation, several foreign visitors were spotted at the venues.

Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station Deputy Investigative Chief Sathitchai Nitayawan stated that the police had yet to identify the type of gas found in the seized cylinders and balloons. The identification process would play a pivotal role in determining any potential charges to be made.