Drug-fueled nightclub raided in Bangkok

Authorities detained 17 foreigners, including a Chinese and a Vietnamese, in VIP rooms, seizing methamphetamine, ketamine, and ‘laughing water’.

A large-scale operation to suppress the activities of an illegal entertainment establishment popular among foreign tourists, mainly Chinese citizens, was carried out in Bangkok. More than 50 officers from various departments carried out a raid in the Huai Kwang area, in the alley of Soi Pracha Utit 11, on the night of August 16, at about 0:30.

At the time of the operation, there were 328 visitors in the establishment, including 122 Thai citizens and 206 foreigners. The police immediately stopped all events held in the club. No prohibited substances were found in the main hall, but drugs were found on two Vietnamese citizens. On the mezzanine floor, in four VIP rooms, law enforcement officers made significant seizures of narcotics.

Seventeen tourists (10 Chinese, 6 Chinese women, and one Vietnamese) were caught in possession of methamphetamine (found on two people), ketamine (also on two), as well as four bags of so-called “laughing water” found next to a glass cabinet.

During interrogation, none of the detainees admitted to owning the drugs. The forensic team collected DNA samples from all tourists in the VIP rooms. The police conducted drug tests on all visitors, both Thai citizens and foreigners. Police Colonel Prasopchok Aiampiny, head of Huai Kwang police station, said the raid was carried out following reports of an illegal establishment popular with foreign tourists, especially Chinese nationals.

Intelligence indicated that the location could be a drug distribution centre. The joint operation involved officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Government, the Department of Child and Women’s Protection, the Immigration Police, and the Narcotics Control Department. Immigration officials will check the entry and exit records of foreign nationals detained at the club.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the establishment was operating without proper licenses to provide entertainment services and sell alcohol. The manager was arrested and charged. The authorities recommended issuing a 5-year closure order.

Police have called on citizens to report areas where large numbers of foreigners gather so that law enforcement can investigate and prevent possible criminal activity. Particular attention is being paid to preventing foreigners, including Russian citizens, from being involved in drug trafficking and other crimes. Thai authorities are working closely with Interpol and other international organizations to combat transnational crime.