Police raid bars and clubs

PHUKET TOWN: Police launched a series of raids early this morning, aimed at catching bars and clubs breaking various laws. Pol Lt Col Teeraphol Thipjaroen, deputy superintendent of Phuket Town Police Station, told the Gazette that 120 officers were sent out on the raids, targeting bars and clubs that allow entry to people under 18 years old, that stay open after 3 am, that play music loud enough to disturb neighbors, or that have topless or nude shows. He added that further raids will take place, but declined to say when, or to confirm how long the drive against law-breaking entertainment places will last. “The fines for breaking the laws governing entertainment places are very small,” Lt Col Teeraphol noted. But, he warned, “If any of these places repeatedly break the law, we will report them to the Governor with the aim of having them closed down.”