Picture courtesy of SiamRath

 

The Provincial Police Chief of Chonburi has issued a firm directive targeting drug use and underage entry in entertainment venues, warning that any establishment found violating the rules will face closure for five years.

 

On 10 August, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatkiat Jindakhuansanong, Chonburi Provincial Police Chief, together with Pol. Col. Patikorn Sorchai, Deputy Chief of Chonburi Police, Mr. Patcharaput Srithanyanont, Bang Lamung District Chief, Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Chief of Pattaya Police Station and police officers from Nong Prue and Bang Lamung Police Stations, held a joint meeting with local business operators in Bang Lamung district. The meeting focused on implementing the “5 Freedoms” policy and the government’s “NO Drugs NO Dealers” campaign led by the Deputy Prime Minister.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatkiat emphasized that the government’s “NO Drugs NO Dealers” policy aligns with the Royal Thai Police’s “5 Freedoms” initiative, which aims for venues free of underage, drugs, weapons, prostitution and to ensure safety. Drug control is a key priority, especially regarding entertainment venues, where drug use and sales have been reported, including involvement by staff and allowing minors to enter.

 

The meeting called on local business owners to cooperate closely with authorities to strengthen enforcement of the 5 Freedoms measures. Authorities have stepped up crackdowns on drug activity, particularly in venues prone to drug use and underage access.

 

Mr. Patcharaput Srithanyanont, Bang Lamung District Chief, added that police and local administrative officials share the urgent mission to eradicate drugs nationwide. Bang Lamung’s entertainment venues are considered high-risk areas for drug offenses, requiring tight monitoring and cooperation.

 

Business operators were urged to ensure that security staff prevent tourists and customers from bringing illegal items such as drugs and weapons into their premises. Any suspicious behaviour should be reported immediately to authorities.

 

The police warned that this latest enforcement would be the final warning. If venues are found neglecting the rules by allowing underage patrons or tolerating drug use or sales, a formal request will be made to the provincial governor to order a five-year closure of the establishment. Authorities stressed that this measure is necessary but regrettable, as it would permanently bar such venues from operating.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamRath 2025-08-12

 

 

 

So they say..... but I think many of us know of places that have had the chains and padlocks removed well before 5 years are up. 

20 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

So they say..... but I think many of us know of places that have had the chains and padlocks removed well before 5 years are up. 

It all depends on contacts and the size of the brown paper bags. TIT.

Like the 1000 baht no-helmet fine, it will just fade into oblivion to be resuscitated near month's end.

2 hours ago, dinsdale said:

It all depends on contacts and the size of the brown paper bags. TIT.

Well let us say the rich folks who own the properties in the main tourist trap of town do not go without influence.