Patrons and staff of Phuket bars, nightclubs subjected to drug tests

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut has launched a campaign to conduct random drug tests at bars and nightclubs across the island.

“Police will conduct random urine drug tests of venue staff and customers,” Governor Maitri said during raids on eight nightlife venues in Phuket Town on Monday night.

“We will also check that the entertainment venues are legally registered as well,” he added.

The Monday night raids hit the popular Kor Tor Mor pub near Nimit Circle on Chana Charoen Road; Ploenchit and Sofa pubs on Dibuk Road; Timberhut; Sanaeha and Rom Dee pubs on Yaowarat Road; and Intro Club on Phang Nga Road.

The campaign will also target video game and internet cafes, Gov Maitri said.

At the Kor Tor Mor pub, officers conducted urine drug tests on 18 men and six women. At Intro Club, officers tested 16 men and 37 women.

“We did not find anyone who tested positive for drugs and every entertainment venue we inspected was registered legally,” Gov Maitri said.

“We will keep randomly checking entertainment venues in other areas around the island,” he added.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong