Anti-graft agency probes potential police kickbacks in Khao San pub raid

The Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) has launched an investigation to determine whether law enforcement officers received bribes to overlook the illegal operation of an unlicensed nightclub on Khao San Road.

PACC Secretary-General Bhumivisan Kasemsook and Phra Nakhon District Office Director Prinya Chanbua inspected the venue following a late-night raid by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA). Officers seized controlled substances at the scene, and several patrons tested positive for illicit drug use.

According to Bhumivisan, the establishment was operating without a valid entertainment venue licence.

District officials confirmed that local authorities had inspected the venue six times, including on the morning of the raid, and had issued four formal warnings or inspection requests to relevant law enforcement agencies regarding the pub's lack of permits and routine operations past legal closing hours.

While most nightlife venues are required to close by 2am, the pub was raided at approximately 3am. Hours earlier, around 1am, officers from the Chana Songkhram Police Station visited the premises and subsequently reported finding no illegal activity.

Bhumivisan stated that investigators have not yet uncovered direct evidence of bribe-taking, nor has the agency received formal complaints alleging corruption between the venue operators and law enforcement.

Following the raid, five senior officers from the Chana Songkhram Police Station, including the superintendent, were abruptly transferred to inactive posts pending a disciplinary probe into whether they filed a false report regarding the pub's compliance.