Interior minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a raid on a Bangkok pub on Saturday night, in which over 120 customers failed a drugs test.
Thai PBS World reports that the Sonic bar, in the Ram Inthra area of the capital, has been ordered to close for 5 years. Police officers found that for the last 3 years, the venue has been operating with an expired licence. On Saturday, more than 120 patrons failed a drugs test at the venue.
The raid came after the Interior Ministry received information that the bar routinely stayed open past the legal 2am closing time and that illegal drugs were available there.
PHOTO: Naewna
During the raid, carried out by a team of police officers led by Anutin, some customers tried to flee the venue but were prevented from leaving by officers. A total of 214 customers were searched and tested for drugs, with 122 people returning a positive result.
According to Anutin, the bar was found to have dedicated rooms where customers could take drugs such as crystal meth, Ecstasy, Ketamine, and “Happy Water” (a liquid drug, colourless and odourless, usually combined with Ketamine or methamphetamine).
The former health minister says the raid will not affect a planned extension to operating hours for nightlife venues in tourist areas from December 15.
Entertainment venues in parts of Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Koh Samui will be permitted to remain open until 4am to boost tourism and the economy.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
