Repeat Offender Karaoke Bar in Chiang Rai Raided Again

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

A karaoke bar in Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province, has once again been shut down following a raid by provincial authorities and police, after it was found operating illegally and employing young girls, below legally permitted age, as hostesses.

Authorities from the Chiang Rai Provincial Administration acted after receiving public complaints that the “Saeng Chan Café” karaoke venue was staying open past legally permitted hours and employing girls under the legal age limit. A covert operation was launched to confirm the claims, and surveillance revealed ongoing violations, despite a previous police raid on 4 May 2024, when the same venue was charged for operating without a proper licence and breaching operating hours.

At approximately 00:45 on 24 April, officers executed a planned operation at the premises, located at 219 Moo 9, Pa Sang Subdistrict, Mae Chan District. The single-storey establishment was found hosting live music, with 11 customer tables and five VIP karaoke rooms in use.

Upon inspection, 11 female service staff were found, including two girls under the age of 18, the youngest just 15 years old. A cashier and a manager were also present, with the latter identified as Ms. Chomphisa aged 49. While Ms. Chomphisa provided certain business-related documents, she was unable to produce a valid operating licence when requested.

Further checks revealed seven patrons under the legal age of 20, none of whom had been asked to present identification upon entry. Authorities have levelled multiple preliminary charges, including:

• Operating an unlicensed entertainment venue

• Selling alcohol beyond legally allowed hours

• Encouraging inappropriate behaviour in minors

• Employing underage workers

Officials have stated that a multidisciplinary team will now be assembled to assess whether any of the underage workers were victims of human trafficking.