Police in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district carried out a late-night raid on an unlicensed pub popular among foreign tourists, uncovering drugs and detaining several patrons. The operation took place on Friday night and highlighted the growing concerns about drug-related activities in the city’s entertainment venues.
A combined force of 50 officers from the Narcotics Control Board and the Metropolitan Police Bureau descended on the pub, located on Soi Pracha Uthit 11, just before midnight at 11:50 p.m. The establishment, which catered largely to Chinese tourists, had been under surveillance following reports of illegal drug use and unlicensed liquor sales.
Upon entering the main hall, police found narcotics on a Chinese and a Vietnamese tourist. The situation escalated further when officers moved to the mezzanine floor, where four VIP rooms were situated. Inside, authorities encountered 24 Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese national. During the search, four packets of a dangerous drug cocktail known as “happy water” were discovered. This substance is a mixture of ecstasy, crystal methamphetamine, and ketamine, often used recreationally in underground party scenes.
In addition to confiscating drugs, officers collected deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples from individuals present to assist in identification and further investigation. The testing process revealed that six of the foreign patrons had traces of illegal substances in their system. These individuals were immediately taken to a hospital for additional confirmation before legal proceedings could be pursued.
Authorities stressed that the raid was the result of thorough intelligence gathering and community reports of suspicious activity. The growing popularity of “happy water” and similar drug cocktails among foreign visitors has raised alarms for law enforcement, who warn that these substances pose severe health risks.
Compounding the legal violations, the pub itself had no liquor licence, making its operation entirely illegal. As a result, the manager was arrested on the spot and taken into custody. Officials also ordered the immediate closure of the venue to prevent further activity.
Police representatives noted that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat unlicensed establishments and drug-related crime in Bangkok’s nightlife districts. By targeting venues that openly flout the law, authorities aim to curb the spread of dangerous narcotics and protect both locals and tourists from illicit activities.
The raid serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing the city’s thriving nightlife with public safety. For tourists, it is also a warning of the risks associated with unlicensed establishments and the legal consequences of drug use in Thailand, where penalties are severe.
As investigations continue, the six patrons who tested positive may face charges under Thailand’s strict drug laws, while the pub’s closure underscores the government’s determination to keep the capital’s nightlife in check.
