Huai Khwang 'secret pub' owner in custody

Police have arrested and charged the owner of an illegal, hidden nightclub in the Huai Khwang district in Bangkok and a court has remanded him in custody, while local authorities ramp up inspections to prevent other venues from operating clandestine entertainment spots.

Huai Khwang investigators escorted the owner, identified only as ‘Somchai’, to the Central Tax Court today to seek a 12-day detention order. The case was brought before the Central Tax Court because the suspect faces additional charges related to the possession of illegal e-cigarettes.

Police revealed that Somchai has been charged with multiple offences, including possession of narcotics with intent to sell, after officers seized a cocktail of illicit substances, including cocaine, ketamine, crystal methamphetamine (Ice), ecstasy and methamphetamine pills. He also faces charges of operating an entertainment venue without a license. Officers confiscated nearly 40 e-cigarettes and "K-pods" (ketamine vape pods) from the scene.

A former employee of the venue, identified as ‘Phatthana’, was also taken into custody. He has been charged with the unauthorised possession of a Category 2 psychotropic substance (ketamine) and offenses under the customs laws concerning e-cigarettes.

According to investigators, both suspects confessed to all charges when confronted with overwhelming evidence. Police successfully blocked bail requests, citing the severity of the offenses and the risk of flight.

Meanwhile, nine patrons who tested positive for illicit substances during the raid have entered a voluntary drug rehabilitation program.

Following the high-profile raid, Huai Khwang police station has ordered patrol officers to tighten surveillance across the district substantially. Authorities expressed concerns that other operators may be using seemingly legitimate commercial ‘fronts’ to run hidden clubs or facilitate illegal activities behind closed doors.