Police Raid Illegal Nightclub in Nakhon Pathom, 81 Drug-Positive Revelers Detained

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

Authorities have shut down a well-known nightclub in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom, for five years following a major police raid that uncovered widespread drug use, illegal alcohol sales, and unlicensed operations.

 

The operation, named “Singh Dap Saeng #Neon” , was carried out at Neon Club in the early hours of 23 March. The raid followed numerous complaints from local residents about excessive noise, after-hours operations, and drug-related activities at the venue.

 

At approximately 03:00,  Chaiwat Chuntirapong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and his deputy, Ronarong Tipsiri, led a special operations team to surround and search the nightclub. Upon entering, officers found the venue in full swing, with over 200 clubgoers partying in a tightly enclosed space filled with loud music, flashing lights, and a heavy atmosphere of cigarette smoke and alcohol consumption.

 

As soon as the authorities cut the music and switched on the lights, chaos erupted. Several patrons attempted to dispose of illegal substances, while others attempted to flee through a hidden exit near the toilets. However, officers had secured all exits and proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the premises.

 

The raid resulted in the seizure of a variety of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine (yaba), crystal meth (ice), ecstasy, and ketamine, which were found scattered across the venue and in the VIP rooms. Authorities also discovered untaxed alcohol and e-cigarettes hidden in storage containers.

During routine checks, two suspicious individuals were found carrying 9mm firearms loaded with full magazines. Upon questioning, they claimed to be undercover police officers investigating drug activity. However, their identities were not immediately verified, and they were taken in for further interrogation while awaiting confirmation from their commanding officers.

 

A total of 212 patrons were present at the time of the raid. Authorities conducted drug tests and found that 81 individuals, 49 men and 32 women, tested positive for illegal substances. They were taken in for further legal proceedings.

 

Investigators confirmed that Neon Club was operating without a valid entertainment licence, violating multiple laws, including:

 

• Running an unlicensed entertainment venue

• Selling alcohol outside of legal hours

• Allowing drug use within the premises

 

The club had previously operated under a different name, Tag Pub, in a neighbouring province. It had been shut down for similar violations but later reopened under the name Neon Club in Nakhon Pathom, using much of the same equipment and setup from the previous establishment.

 

Due to these repeated offences, the Governor of Nakhon Pathom has ordered the immediate closure of the nightclub for a period of five years, in accordance with Section 22 of the 2015 National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) directive.

 

Authorities are continuing investigations into both the nightclub’s operators and the individuals found in possession of firearms. Further legal action will be taken against the club owner, managers, and any officials found complicit in allowing the illegal activities to continue.

 

The raid is part of Thailand’s broader crackdown on nightlife establishments violating licensing laws and contributing to the spread of drug-related crimes.

 

-- 2025-03-22