76 test positive for drugs in Nakhon Pathom pub raid

A high-profile, after-hours raid on a popular entertainment venue in Nakhon Pathom province early Saturday morning exposed an unlicensed operation, rampant drug use, with 76 partygoers testing positive, and dozens of underage patrons, resulting in a proposed five-year closure order.

The operation, codenamed "Check-in The Airport", was led by Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth and a special task force from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) at 12.30am in Wang Taku sub-district of Mueang district in Nakhon Pathom province, following numerous complaints regarding the establishment's illegal operations.

Upon the sudden arrival of authorities, patrons panicked as the house lights were turned on. Many attempted to flee through emergency exits while scattering illicit narcotics across the floor in a bid to destroy evidence.

An inspection revealed that the venue did not possess a valid entertainment establishment license.

Subsequent drug screenings conducted on 377 individuals inside the venue revealed that 76, or around 20%, tested positive for narcotics.

Investigators also discovered 37 patrons under the legal age 20, the youngest being a 17-year-old. Three of these minors tested positive for drug use.

The venue's manager was detained and faces a laundry list of charges.

The offences include operating an entertainment venue without a permit, selling alcohol outside legal hours, serving alcohol to minors under 20, encouraging inappropriate behaviour among minors, illegal alcohol promotions, operating an unauthorised food establishment and unauthorised building modifications.

Ronnarong Thipsiri, DOPA's deputy director general, stated that legal action will be rigorously pursued against all involved, with the investigation expanding to locate the establishment’s actual owner.

Given the severity and volume of the infractions, a recommendation will be submitted to the provincial governor to enforce a strict five-year closure order.

Ronnarong added that authorities have received numerous complaints concerning illicit entertainment venues in Nakhon Pathom and nearby provinces, warning that suppression operations will continue unabated.