Officials Probe Police Role in Khao San Pub Raid
Officials met at the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau to investigate police involvement in a raid on a Khao San Road pub, forming an investigation committee. They plan to discuss a Khao San Sandbox and revise outdated laws with business operators within three weeks.
The gathering at the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau included NACC officials, police leaders, and Pharadon Prisananantakul. They discussed ways to prevent and suppress businesses operating like illegal venues after Phalemphee Suwanchawi and a special operations team from the Interior Ministry inspected OK Bar on Khao San Road, uncovering multiple legal violations. Pharadon said the aim is to bring all establishments within the legal framework, address any misconduct by state officials, and consider disciplinary and criminal penalties, including a 30‑day investigation committee and possible NACC criminal proceedings if corruption is found.
Officials announced a medium‑term plan to use Khao San Road as a sandbox, directing the NACC secretary and police chief to work with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to identify existing rules, pinpoint violations by hotels and entertainment venues, and invite operators to discuss solutions for a sustainable model. If successful, the approach could be expanded elsewhere in Bangkok, with a long‑term goal of ensuring all venues operate legally on proper land.
Regarding outdated laws, participants agreed to review and update regulations so that all businesses follow the same rules and officials can cooperate to allow operators to remain viable. The Hotel Act is already slated for amendment, while the Entertainment Establishments Act needs revision.
Phumiwet Kasemsuk noted that the raid resulted in three people under 20 among 24 arrests, positive urine tests, and 20 items seized, indicating clear illegal activity. The NACC will investigate facts quickly and transparently, and will work with the Bangkok governor to prevent state officials from committing offenses.
Police Chief Somyot Bunyom said the bureau is ready to follow orders, has taken disciplinary action against any officers involved, set up a fact‑finding committee to examine possible negligence, and will continue proceedings against those implicated.
