Ayutthaya Nightclub Faces Five-Year Closure After Drug Raid
An Ayutthaya nightclub faces potential five-year closure after authorities raided it early Sunday, finding drugs on the premises and 20 patrons testing positive for methamphetamine and ketamine.
AYUTTHAYA — Authorities raided a nightclub in Ayutthaya early Sunday after complaints that it was operating beyond legal hours and was allegedly linked to drug activity, with 20 patrons later testing positive for drugs.
About 40 district officials, police and Territorial Defence Volunteers took part in the raid at the venue in Khan Ham subdistrict, Uthai district, at about 02:30 on 13 September. Officials secured three entrances and exits at the front and rear of the venue before entering. Some patrons attempted to push their way through the doors after officers moved in, but authorities said the situation was brought under control.
Officers then searched the premises, focusing particularly on the men's and women's toilets. Authorities said they found several bags containing suspected drugs on the floor and inside the toilets, including what they identified as ketamine, crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine pills. Drug paraphernalia, including straws, used plastic bags and other suspected drug residue, was also reportedly found.
One patron was detained after officers said they found a small plastic bag containing suspected ketamine hidden in his trouser pocket. Uthai district chief Paponsak Khantichaimongkol said officials had previously conducted several checks at the venue, including a controlled drug purchase, and had gathered information suggesting drugs were being sold inside and that the business was operating beyond permitted hours.
Authorities checked the identification of nearly 200 patrons and conducted urine tests over about two hours. Twenty people — 11 men and nine women — tested positive for drugs and were taken to Uthai Police Station for further legal proceedings. Officials said no one under 18 was found inside the venue.
Authorities said some of those who tested positive admitted to using drugs. Officials are seeking the owner and other people connected with the venue for questioning over allegations that the nightclub operated beyond legal hours and allowed drug use or drug-related activity on the premises.
Paponsak said the raid followed previous complaints and surveillance concerning both the venue's operating hours and suspected drug activity. District officials are preparing to submit the case to the Ayutthaya governor for consideration of administrative penalties, including a possible five-year closure if the venue is found to meet the legal criteria.
Those who tested positive for drugs, as well as the venue's owner and other people involved, could also face legal action depending on the findings of the investigation.
