Bangkok Police Bust Illegal Bar Selling Drugs to Tourists
Bangkok police arrested the owner and employee of an illegal bar on Prachauthit Road after seizing multiple drugs including MDMA, methamphetamine, cocaine, and ketamine sold to tourists.
On July 20, 2569, Huay Khwang police station commander Pol. Col. Srisak Tongmee ordered the arrest and detention of Somchai, 40, owner of an unlicensed entertainment venue that illegally sold multiple types of narcotics inside a four-story building on Prachauthit Road in Bangkok's Huay Khwang district. Also detained was Pattana, 43, a shop employee. The arrests followed an earlier operation by Deputy Police Commander Theeradej Thammsuther on July 18, when officers seized MDMA, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, poppers, and electronic cigarettes. Both suspects were transported with their faces covered and made no statement to media.
Somchai faces charges including possession with intent to distribute Class 2 narcotics (cocaine), Class 2 controlled substances (ketamine), and Class 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and MDMA) without authorization; concealing imported banned items (electronic cigarettes); operating an unlicensed service; and violating operating hour conditions. Pattana faces a single charge of possession of Class 2 controlled substances (ketamine) without authorization. Both confessed during questioning, and investigators are considering whether to oppose bail.
Nine tourists who tested positive for drugs have voluntarily entered drug treatment programs and were released. Following the incident, Police Commander Srisak held a meeting with station officers to strengthen proactive enforcement measures and conduct increased patrols to prevent similar incidents.
