Pattaya Police Raid Bar for Illegally Selling Laughing Gas Balloons

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

In the early hours of September 16, at 03:35, officers from the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD), led by Pol. Col. Patthanapong Sripinproh, Deputy Commander Pol. Lt. Col. Kiattikong Thongkham, and Pol. Lt. Col. Sitth Poolwong, collaborated with Pattaya City Police to raid the bar located in Soi Jomtien 11, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
 

The raid resulted in the seizure of two nitrous oxide gas tanks, three pre-filled gas balloons, and 60 unfilled balloons. Additionally, four illegal migrant workers and one person in charge of the bar were arrested.

 

 

The raid was initiated after authorities received a tip that the bar was covertly selling nitrous oxide-filled balloons, commonly referred to as "laughing gas." After observing the bar’s activities, officers confirmed the illegal sale of the gas-filled balloons, a blatant violation of the law. The bar catered to both local and foreign patrons, and it was discovered that the bar employees were selling the balloons for 200 baht each.

 

To avoid detection, the bar staff hid the gas tanks in a vacant locker across from the bar. When tourists placed orders, the foreign employees would cross the street to fill the balloons and deliver them to the customers, attempting to mislead authorities. However, police surveillance revealed the bar's evasion tactics, leading to the successful seizure of the illegal substances.

 

The bar manager, along with the foreign workers who did not have work permits, was taken into custody. The authorities are now extending the investigation to issue an arrest warrant for the bar’s actual owner, who will face legal action.

 

Under the Drug Act, the illegal sale of medical substances, such as nitrous oxide, without proper authorisation carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 baht.

 

 

-- 2024-09-16

 

 

[peterpaintpot]

Good to see that the Police know how to handle the gas containers. They should be chained to a concrete or brick wall when standing upright, and always chained to to the trolley used to move them around the premises. When transported by road or train they should be chained up securely.

Standing up as seen in the picture if they fall over and the valve at the top is damaged they will take off like a missile and have been known to go through brick walls without slowing down.

[mushroomdave]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[bradiston]

3 colonels, a tip off, covert surveillance, and a "raid". For laughing gas!

[jippytum]

People must have boring lives if they buy stupid toxit ballons for enjoyment. 

[mikebell]

16 minutes ago, bradiston said:

3 colonels, a tip off, covert surveillance, and a "raid". For laughing gas!

Meanwhile two Aussie drunks brought the rest of Pattaya to a standstill and several people were killed on the roads.