The Thanyaburi district chief and five senior officers from Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station have been transferred after a high-profile raid on an illegal pub in Rangsit uncovered widespread drug use and underage drinking.
Zero Drug Operation
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the transfers followed the “Zero Drug” operation conducted on August 8 by the Department of Provincial Administration’s special task force. Acting on public complaints, the team raided Skin Pub, located in Soi Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok 21, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, at 12:45 a.m.
When officials entered the venue, they found over 341 patrons drinking and dancing. As the music stopped and lights came on, some patrons attempted to flee or discard drugs, but exits were blocked. The pub was operating without a licence and was classified as an illegal venue.
Underage and Drug-Positive Patrons
Authorities discovered seven patrons under the legal drinking age, the youngest being 17. The pub manager, who had a prior conviction for drug possession with intent to sell, was caught with ketamine and methamphetamine on the floor near him.
All 341 patrons — 161 men and 180 women — were tested for drugs. Results showed 179 tested positive, including 84 men and 95 women.
Charges Against the Pub Manager
The manager was arrested on four charges:
- Operating a service venue without a licence
- Selling alcohol beyond legal hours
- Selling alcohol to persons under 20
- Encouraging inappropriate behaviour among minors
Additionally, the venue breached a National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) directive by failing to prevent drug-related offences. Authorities plan to recommend to the Pathum Thani governor that the pub be closed for five years.
Police and District Chief Transfers
Under Thai police regulations, station commanders and senior officers are held accountable for offences occurring within their jurisdiction. As a result, the five senior officers from Pratunam Chulalongkorn Police Station have been reassigned to Provincial Police Region 1.
The Interior Ministry is also investigating whether local administrative officials properly reported the incident. If not, they too could face transfer.
Minister Phumtham confirmed that both the Thanyaburi district chief and the police officers will remain reassigned while the case is addressed.
This operation underscores the government’s heightened efforts to tackle drug use and illegal venues, especially those involving underage patrons. Authorities say further inspections in nightlife hotspots across the country are likely in the coming weeks.
