Hundreds of cops dispatched to Pattaya’s Walking Street to reassure tourists
Hundreds of cops were dispatched to Pattaya’s Walking Street on Friday night to reassure tourists of their safety.
The deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 2, Pattaya Police chief Pol. Col. Thanapong Photi, and Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn dispatched 234 officers to the street.
The officers walked through the street letting bar and club owners know that they were launching a new project to get rid of drugs, weapons, services to minors, unsafe environments, and human trafficking on the street.
The team included Pattaya Police, as well as Tourist Police and Immigration Police. There were also drug suppression officers, health officials, and Pattaya City officials.
The Deputy Chief of Chon Buri Provincial Police, Col. Patikorn Sornchai, said that Pattaya is a very important tourist city in Thailand. He said that millions of tourists come to the city each year, generating huge amounts of income for the country, inn news reported.
Last week there were two major incidents when Pattaya Police busted bars for illegal activities.
On February 16, Bang Lamung Police said they found used condoms and illegal drugs after they raided a bar on Soi Pattaya Klang 12. The Dragon Man bar is located in the Nong Prue sub-district.
Police found plastic sachets containing powder believed to be drugs hidden in staff lockers. On top of the illegal drugs, lots of used condoms were found all over the place.
As a result, 14 men and one woman were arrested and taken to the Pattaya Police Station after testing positive for drugs in urine tests. District chief Pisit Sitisawatnukun said the host bar was operating without a license, opening beyond the legal closing time of 2am, and allowing the use of drugs.
On February 17, it was reported that police found evidence of underage prostitution at Club 4, a go-go bar in Pattaya. Police ordered the closure of Club 4 – in Soi Bong Koch 8 in the Nong Prue sub-district.
Pattaya has long been known for its nightlife, renowned for its raging bars and clubs. This reputation has also brought with it a significant amount of illegal activity within these establishments.
