Police Raid Illegal Khao San Pub, Find Underage Drinkers
A raid on an unlicensed pub on Bangkok's Khao San Road uncovered underage drinking, widespread drug use, and bribe payments of nearly 180,000 baht per month. Police found a 15-year-old patron, 31 drug-positive customers, and seized weapons and narcotics. The bar manager now faces multiple charges including illegal operation and serving alcohol to minors.
Officers from the Department of Provincial Administration, led by Deputy Interior Minister Plern Phisit Suwanchawi, Naricha Hoshasivilai, Ranarong Tipsiri, and other officials, entered the two-story building housing the OK Bar on the second floor. Inside they discovered a large hall with a stage, bar service, and music, but no ID checks at the door. The raid revealed 102 patrons, 30 of whom were under 20, including a 15-year-old; urine tests showed 31 people positive for drugs, including four youths and two staff members. Police also seized a firearm, imitation weapon, narcotics, and laughing-gas balloons. Investigators found evidence of monthly bribe payments exceeding 177,000 baht to multiple agencies. The bar manager was charged with operating without a license, selling alcohol after legal hours, providing alcohol to minors, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and prohibited alcohol promotions.
