BANGKOK, THAILAND — Over 200 Royal Thai police officers were deployed in an operation which sprung simultaneous surprise raids upon seven entertainment venues across Bangkok in the early morning of Tuesday, all of which are allegedly run by foreign business persons or nominees.
The seven nightclubs that were raided are SpacePlus and K Bangkok at Royal City Avenue Alley; Hollywood, Brooz, and Asgard in Huai Khwang; and Baby Face in the Khlong Tan area.
This is yet another raid within just a week since Thai police busted an illegal nightclub on 26 October. However, the latest operation did not result in as many arrests as the previous raid as police only discovered two who tested positive after urine drug tests.
Torsak Sukvimol, Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police, told local media that the raids are focused on drugs, illegal guns, and underage patrons.
He said that the police will trace the origins of drugs, should tourists be found using them inside the entertainment venue after buying them outside. However, if drugs were sold inside the premises, the operator will be severely punished.
Although no illegal activities other than the two alleged drug users, were found during the raids, Torsak, nevertheless, issued a stern warning to all entertainment venue operators, stating that they could have their licenses revoked for five years if they break the law.
He also claims that foreign investors are operating like mafias in Thailand’s nightlife sector, adding that the Thai police and immigration officials are working together to eliminate them.
Torsak also reminded Thai police officers to frequently investigate entertainment venues in their areas to reduce illegal activities, or they will face punishment for neglecting their duties.
Over the past month, Thai police have intensified drug enforcement activities following the tragedy at a daycare centre in northeast Thailand on 6 October, with 36 deaths.
The perpetrator of the massacre who was a former police officer is reported to have abused yaba, a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine — although autopsy showed that he did not consume any drugs within 72 hours of the incident.
The perpetrator carried out his horrific act with a handgun and knife, which spurred calls to control the possession of firearms in Thailand.
Just on last week (26 Oct), Thai police raided an illegal nightclub in Bangkok run by Chinese nationals and arrested 237 Chinese nationals, of which 99 tested positive for drugs.
This also led police to investigate a Chinese businessman, Chaiyanat Kornchayanant, or known by his Chinese name Du Haozhe for his possible connection with the illegal nightclub. Chaiyanat had since denied his involvement in the Yannawa pub and threatened to sue the media outlet instead.
Earlier on 12 October, Pattaya Police raided a nightclub, “DIRTY” where three illegal objects including two small bags of undisclosed illegal substances, electronic cigarettes, and a pistol with six bullets were seized.
