Thai police have raided a karaoké bar operating illegal drug parties, specifically catering to Vietnamese customers. Following a complaint, investigators identified clear suspicious behavior leading to the raid, where authorities discovered a significant amount of drugs including ecstasy, crystal meth, and ketamine. Three Vietnamese staff members were apprehended, along with a firearm, who claimed they were hired by a Thai owner for a monthly salary of 15,000 baht.
The raid occurred on October 12 at 1:00 AM in a karaoké bar located within the Buathong market. Police, acting on notifications of the establishment exceeding legal operating hours and allowing drug use, found no customers present during their arrival. Instead, they encountered three Vietnamese employees – one female and two males – who were unable to communicate in Thai. Authorities seized a 9mm handgun with three rounds and a total of 75 ecstasy pills and 134 bags of other drugs from the bar’s counter.
Police Colonel Pruth Jamroen, the officer in charge, stated that the provincial police chief has mandated rigorous oversight of entertainment venues, particularly concerning illegal arms and drugs, following reports of a foreign-run karaoké bar involved in drug-related activities. Although the bar was found to be empty at the time of the raid, a large quantity of illicit substances and a firearm were confiscated during the search.
The detainees from Vietnam are under investigation, as they alleged the Thai owner operated the rest. Police investigators are expanding their inquiries and will summon the owner for questioning. Initially, the staff face charges of drug possession with intent to distribute, illegal firearm possession, illegal immigration, and working without proper permits.
Colonel Pruth further noted that authorities had monitored this establishment for about ten days and confirmed that it exclusively served Vietnamese clients while blatantly disregarding operating hour laws and facilitating drug abuse without concern for legal repercussions. Ultimately, they could not escape law enforcement scrutiny.
Read more “Thai Rath newspaper column” here.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
