Drug-fuelled party raided at Khon Kaen karaoke bar
Police in Khon Kaen carried out an early morning raid on a karaoke bar suspected of hosting a drug-fuelled party, with 23 patrons testing positive for narcotics. The operation was launched following intelligence reports of illegal drug use and sales, with undercover officers confirming the availability of “Happy Water,” a dangerous party drug cocktail.
The raid took place around 6am on Saturday when a team of officers entered the venue and found 25 patrons, including one male under 20 years old, alongside several bar staff. Initial drug tests revealed that nearly all of the guests — 23 in total — had narcotics in their systems. Those who tested positive now face charges of drug use and possession.
“Happy Water,” a cocktail commonly containing MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine, and diazepam, is a potent and highly addictive substance often disguised by mixing with energy drinks or other beverages. Authorities say its rising popularity among young people and tourists makes it a serious concern, particularly in nightlife venues that lack proper oversight.
Investigators confirmed that undercover officers had visited the bar days earlier to verify reports of drug activity. Samples collected inside the establishment tested positive for illegal substances, which provided grounds for the raid. Police stated that neither the manager nor the owner of the karaoke bar was present at the time of the raid, but they have since identified the operator and issued a summons for questioning.
The bar’s operator faces multiple charges, including allowing narcotics to be used on the premises, selling alcohol to a minor, and failing to supervise staff and customers properly. Authorities are also considering additional penalties under public health and entertainment laws.
Local police emphasized that the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to combat narcotics in entertainment venues across Thailand. They urged venue owners to ensure compliance with the law, warning that failure to do so could lead to closures, fines, or criminal charges.
Khon Kaen, a major city in northeastern Thailand, has seen increased attention from law enforcement due to reports of illegal drugs being distributed in entertainment areas. Authorities said they will continue conducting surprise inspections in an effort to curb drug abuse and protect young people from dangerous substances like “Happy Water.”
The 23 arrested patrons will be required to undergo rehabilitation programs in addition to facing legal consequences. Police reiterated their commitment to tackling drug use at the community level and urged the public to report suspicious activity to authorities.
This raid underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on narcotics, sending a strong message to nightlife operators across the region: turning a blind eye to drug use will not be tolerated.
