Pattaya Intensifies Anti-Drugs Crackdown in Night Clubs

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FILE photo courtesy: MGR Online

 

Pattaya is witnessing a robust crackdown on drug-related activities in its nightlife sector, as part of Thailand's national initiative to regulate entertainment venues comprehensively.

 

This intensified operation, aligning with the “5-Free” policy, seeks to ensure that entertainment spots are free of drugs, weapons, child exploitation, prostitution, and remain safe environments for all.

 

Spearheaded by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the campaign has seen numerous high-profile raids supervised by top officials. Among notable incidents, a Pattaya club was shut down after over 200 patrons tested positive for drugs, using a urine test that revealed substances like ketamine and methamphetamines, reported Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail.

 

While the campaign is national, Pattaya stands as a focal point, having experienced over 20 raids on its licensed premises. These operations have often been triggered by tips from "concerned citizens", a term that includes business rivals as well as genuine community members opposed to illegal activities.

The 2024 crackdown distinguishes itself by the diversity and cooperation of involved agencies, featuring local and provincial police, immigration units, the anti-trafficking police, and the Central Investigation Bureau.

 

Civilian departments like the Department of Employment and the Department of Provincial Administration, which governs club licensing, are also deeply involved. This multi-agency strategy is unprecedented and aims to enhance Pattaya's image as a clean, tourist-friendly destination.

 

From the 1,500 individuals arrested in these raids, the majority were Thai nationals, though around 300 were foreigners, including Westerners who were found to have used drugs. Some arrests were linked to working without permits, primarily involving staff from neighbouring countries. Offences also included operating past allowed hours, firearms possession, online gambling, and failure to secure music licences.

 

For Westerners ensnared in these raids, outcomes vary. Typically, those testing positive for drugs are processed by police and released after fines are paid, with their details recorded to restrict further entry into Thailand for periods ranging from a few years to a lifetime, based on the gravity of the offence.

 

More severe charges, like managing illegal establishments or drug dealing, result in court proceedings and travel restrictions until a verdict is reached—a process that can span several months.

 

Though raids on nightspots in Pattaya are not new—tracing back to the 1960s following the Entertainment Venue Act—this latest initiative marks a significant expansion in scope and interagency collaboration across Thailand.

 

As the festive season approaches, while many revel in the new year, it's clear that those partying in Pattaya’s clubs have stricter regulations to navigate, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

-- 2024-12-14