Hundreds of customers test positive for drugs in raid on Pattaya pub

Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised led officials of the Provincial Administration Department in a raid on an illegal pub in Pattaya early this morning. 219 customers tested positive for drugs.

The raid, in Soi Kor Pai Pattaya in Bang Lamung district, was in response to complaints from neighbours about loud noises, staying open beyond permissible hours and widespread drug abuse among young customers.

About 300 customers, mostly young adults and youths, were found in the pub when it was raided. The officials ordered the pub manager to switch on the lights and cease all the entertainment activity.

The customers were separated into males and females, as officials checked their ID cards and took urine samples. 103 males and 116 females tested positive for drugs. Officials also found many plastic bags containing narcotics scattered on floor and in garbage bins. Two handguns were found in a customer’s car, with the owner claiming that they were for self-defence.

After the raid, the officials asked Pattaya police superintendent, Pol Col Nawin Thirawit, to send his men to the pub to detain those who had tested positive for drug use.

Charges of operating a pub without a permit and selling liquor beyond permitted hours have been filed against the owner of the pub.