Drug Crackdown In Patong Pubs

[george]

Drug crackdown in Patong pubs

Drug testing kit used by the officers during the crackdown.

Photo: Phuket Gazette

PATONG, PHUKET: Kathu Police last night dispatched three groups of officers to conduct random drug checks of staff and patrons at nightclubs in Phuket.

One group of officers checked bars along Soi Bangla, another group checked bars along the beach road, and a third group went to Phang Muang and Sirirat Roads at the south end of Patong.

Kathu Police Inspector Nikorn Chootong told the Gazette that the crackdown was ordered by the Royal Thai Police following a reported increase in the use of ya bah (methamphetamine).

The inspection teams, of about 10 persons each, included district officials and female workers from the local public health office who took urine samples from everyone on the premises at each location and tested them for amphetamine use.

Three patrons of the Khon Lang Chang pub, on the road to Karon, tested positive when their urine turned the telltale purple.

The inspectors also checked for weapons and inspected identification cards to ensure no minors were present.

Pol Maj Nikorn said the random checks will continue next week.

-- Phuket Gazette 2009-03-07

[ScubaBuddha]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

[robblok]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

I used drugs in the past but that is a long time ago, but i would be worried about a false positive too. Or about corrupt police trying to get you to pay up or frame you. Its just that i don't trust the police in Thailand that much.

[chefshane]

Well where I am from, Invasion of civil liberties is not a once a month heads up from one district police checkpoint.

It is a steady slow erosion instigated by a strong, well equipped and ideologically driven Government.

Australia.

Random stops of cars to check registration, road worthiness, licensing, ID of occupants, random breath test, sniffer dogs and background checks. Like a "ten in one" checkpoint - only it is random, and well equipped with high tech gear.

Alcohol tests in cars have now extended to blood tests urine tests and sweat tests in bars, police stations and public locations

Fair enough? Keeping the roads safe?

Now police patrol bus stations, buses and even board trains with sniffer dogs.

Raids on bars and clubs in Sydney is not an invasion of human rights - it's a regular occurrence now moving from weekends to 24/7.

fair enough? Lots of bad people out there on the streets?

Well if you stay at home they now track internet usage, and censor the internet for all Australians to "protect the kids" - Even if you don't have any.

Yes. Those who don't have or even know / interact with any children are still restricted in what they can view or discuss online so the government can "protect" a small percentage of children and teens with irresponsible and downright bad parents.

The west leads the way in suppression of democracy and systematic erosion of civil liberties.

And all in the name of Democracy and Civil Liberties (for the people who think the same way they do)

Over here, nobody NEEDS or WANTS to look at pornography.

In Australia, you are now not allowed to - and prevented by high tech blanket censorship of the internet by a secret government controlled "blacklist" which nobody is allowed to know details of.

[phuketjames]

The report doesn't actually say that the people who tested positive were arrested.

[webnomad]

If it gets rid of the riff-raff and deviants that plague Thailand, I'm all for it.

[chefshane]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

I used drugs in the past but that is a long time ago, but i would be worried about a false positive too. Or about corrupt police trying to get you to pay up or frame you. Its just that i don't trust the police in Thailand that much.

I do actually have a fair amount of faith in the integrity of Australian police.

Just a blanket fear and distrust of the flaky politicians who try to use them as tools to enforce whatever policy or witch hunt is popular at the time.

Wars on drugs, immorality, terrorism, immigrants etc are great ways to get the Moral majority to "hang 'em high" and take the bemused public's minds off shithouse economic management, poor performance and lack of ability to address the real issues.

We've seen it for centuries.

But point taken about the situation here. Very different. And I agree, prone to abuse.

[MTS]

Yes your right and I agree 100% I would not want my urine checked by corrupt Thai authorities.I have never used drugs,I will not trust the Thai officials as far as I can SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.

This is what PUT ME OFF Thailand.

[grantbkk]

Tourism has increased ever so slightly which makes it inevitable that the Thai government on some level look to somehow shoot themselves in the foot yet again. Drug testing for cause should be acceptable but to shutdown whole entertainment venues, line everyone up to piss and ruin everyone's night is another matter. Finding the few miscreants that may have taken drugs in a tourist areas should have embarrassed the police to the point of never leaving the barracks again. TIT and the nonsense will never stop and kind of adds to the whole roadshow that is the Land of Smiles. Remember the national average IQ of around 89 goes all the way to the top.

Edited March 7, 2009 by grantbkk

[klfopera]

For what it is worth the bar they mention gets almost exclusively Thai customers.

[TGM]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

And where are you from? You can always demand a re-test and sure, sit in jail until they'll retest you but you're not gonna die. Even if tested positive..you go through stationary procedure like you would do elsewhere. And yes, US or German cops can be nasty too...so no reason to wet your pants.

[iang]

If this acts as a real deterrent to people and helps to make people stay away from drugs then I'm all for it! If they manage to pick up distributors / sellers of drugs in the process, then even better! There's too much misery & suffering caused by drugs & drug abuse!

[cclub75]

The good old days are back.

Thaksin started the circus of drug-testing (in Bangkok). It was every week at that time.

Then with the Junta (what a paradox) things went quiet... No more...

So let's see if it's a Phuket thing only, or if our dear "democrat" Prime minister, Abhisit, sees himself as a crusader.

The economy is going down the toilets, It wouldn't surprise me. As someone said : it's an old trick.

It's called diversion.

[Rainmon]

Its just that i don't trust the police in Thailand that much.

I trust the Thai police 100% and they all know where the nearest ATM machine is, so have your card handy. Hey, they gotta make a living too (tongue firmly in cheek)... Welcome to LOS

[aaronkruger]

BIG BROTHER WATCHES CLOSER THAN WE ALL THINK. free society???? ... free to do what

Well where I am from, Invasion of civil liberties is not a once a month heads up from one district police checkpoint.

It is a steady slow erosion instigated by a strong, well equipped and ideologically driven Government.

Australia.

Random stops of cars to check registration, road worthiness, licensing, ID of occupants, random breath test, sniffer dogs and background checks. Like a "ten in one" checkpoint - only it is random, and well equipped with high tech gear.

Alcohol tests in cars have now extended to blood tests urine tests and sweat tests in bars, police stations and public locations

Fair enough? Keeping the roads safe?

Now police patrol bus stations, buses and even board trains with sniffer dogs.

Raids on bars and clubs in Sydney is not an invasion of human rights - it's a regular occurrence now moving from weekends to 24/7.

fair enough? Lots of bad people out there on the streets?

Well if you stay at home they now track internet usage, and censor the internet for all Australians to "protect the kids" - Even if you don't have any.

Yes. Those who don't have or even know / interact with any children are still restricted in what they can view or discuss online so the government can "protect" a small percentage of children and teens with irresponsible and downright bad parents.

The west leads the way in suppression of democracy and systematic erosion of civil liberties.

And all in the name of Democracy and Civil Liberties (for the people who think the same way they do)

Over here, nobody NEEDS or WANTS to look at pornography.

In Australia, you are now not allowed to - and prevented by high tech blanket censorship of the internet by a secret government controlled "blacklist" which nobody is allowed to know details of.

[illy]

Well where I am from, Invasion of civil liberties is not a once a month heads up from one district police checkpoint.

It is a steady slow erosion instigated by a strong, well equipped and ideologically driven Government.

Australia.

Random stops of cars to check registration, road worthiness, licensing, ID of occupants, random breath test, sniffer dogs and background checks. Like a "ten in one" checkpoint - only it is random, and well equipped with high tech gear.

Alcohol tests in cars have now extended to blood tests urine tests and sweat tests in bars, police stations and public locations

Fair enough? Keeping the roads safe?

Now police patrol bus stations, buses and even board trains with sniffer dogs.

Raids on bars and clubs in Sydney is not an invasion of human rights - it's a regular occurrence now moving from weekends to 24/7.

fair enough? Lots of bad people out there on the streets?

Well if you stay at home they now track internet usage, and censor the internet for all Australians to "protect the kids" - Even if you don't have any.

Yes. Those who don't have or even know / interact with any children are still restricted in what they can view or discuss online so the government can "protect" a small percentage of children and teens with irresponsible and downright bad parents.

The west leads the way in suppression of democracy and systematic erosion of civil liberties.

And all in the name of Democracy and Civil Liberties (for the people who think the same way they do)

Over here, nobody NEEDS or WANTS to look at pornography.

In Australia, you are now not allowed to - and prevented by high tech blanket censorship of the internet by a secret government controlled "blacklist" which nobody is allowed to know details of.

absolutely dead right!! i am from there as well. its the very reason i came to Thailand. people 'back home' always ask how do you put with the corruption etc, i just say how do you?

[Dap]

Although I am not a user (of drugs) this always puts a major damper on the festivities of any evening out for a cold beer or 10. Bangkok has been closing off streets randomly for many years to check up on the patrons and service personel. Nights I'd rather of stayed home.

[thetitan99]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

I used drugs in the past but that is a long time ago, but i would be worried about a false positive too. Or about corrupt police trying to get you to pay up or frame you. Its just that i don't trust the police in Thailand that much.

This frame up ploy is classic amongest the Thai police. If they haven't thought of it yet, you know they will.

[Orion76]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

And where are you from? You can always demand a re-test and sure, sit in jail until they'll retest you but you're not gonna die. Even if tested positive..you go through stationary procedure like you would do elsewhere. And yes, US or German cops can be nasty too...so no reason to wet your pants.

A night in a Thai jail is plenty of reason to wet your pants, even if you did get a false positive. And even if you don't test positive, having the exit of the club blocked for hours while they test every patron is not a fun way to spend your Saturday night either.

False positives are very possible because the test is very broad and will give a positive for several OTC cough/cold and asthma medications.

[greens]

Its Shake Down Time!

Well where I am from, Invasion of civil liberties is not a once a month heads up from one district police checkpoint.

It is a steady slow erosion instigated by a strong, well equipped and ideologically driven Government.

Australia.

Random stops of cars to check registration, road worthiness, licensing, ID of occupants, random breath test, sniffer dogs and background checks. Like a "ten in one" checkpoint - only it is random, and well equipped with high tech gear.

Alcohol tests in cars have now extended to blood tests urine tests and sweat tests in bars, police stations and public locations

Fair enough? Keeping the roads safe?

Now police patrol bus stations, buses and even board trains with sniffer dogs.

Raids on bars and clubs in Sydney is not an invasion of human rights - it's a regular occurrence now moving from weekends to 24/7.

fair enough? Lots of bad people out there on the streets?

Well if you stay at home they now track internet usage, and censor the internet for all Australians to "protect the kids" - Even if you don't have any.

Yes. Those who don't have or even know / interact with any children are still restricted in what they can view or discuss online so the government can "protect" a small percentage of children and teens with irresponsible and downright bad parents.

The west leads the way in suppression of democracy and systematic erosion of civil liberties.

And all in the name of Democracy and Civil Liberties (for the people who think the same way they do)

Over here, nobody NEEDS or WANTS to look at pornography.

In Australia, you are now not allowed to - and prevented by high tech blanket censorship of the internet by a secret government controlled "blacklist" which nobody is allowed to know details of.

[catinthehat]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

I might suggest that you take a look around you. This is not where you are from. It is their country, governed by their systems........however "blatant" they may seem to you. We are guest here. Expected to abide by same.

If your fear is of a "false positive test", then socialize at home with friends.

[lordofdelusion]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

I used drugs in the past but that is a long time ago, but i would be worried about a false positive too. Or about corrupt police trying to get you to pay up or frame you. Its just that i don't trust the police in Thailand that much.

No reason to trust them. As to the false positives; I don't do drugs but was in the medical profession for years. You may find this interesting.

Amphetamines - Substances or Conditions which can cause false positives

Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, propylephedrine, phenylephrine, or desoxyephedrine

(Nyquil, Contact, Sudafed, Allerest, Tavist-D, Dimetapp, etc)

Phenegan-D, Robitussin Cold and Flu, Vicks Nyquil

Over-the-counter diet aids with phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, Accutrim)

Over-the-counter nasal sprays (Vicks inhaler, Afrin)

Asthma medications (Marax, Bronkaid tablets, Primatine Tablets)

Prescription medications (Amfepramone, Cathne, Etafediabe, Morazone,phendimetrazine, phenmetrazine, benzphetamine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine,dexdenfluramine,Redux, mephentermine, Mesocarb, methoxyphenamine, phentermine,amineptine, Pholedrine, hydroymethamphetamine, Dexedrine, amifepramone, clobenzorex,fenproyorex, mefenorex, fenelylline, Didrex, dextroamphetamine, methphenidate, Ritalin,pemoline, Cylert, selegiline, Deprenyl, Eldepryl, Famprofazone) Kidney infection, kidney disease, Liver disease, diabetes

There are a number of other conditions and meds that cause false positives for THC, opium etc; But with the first class testing facilities here and the professionalism of the police, I see no reason to worry.

[paiinthai]

Yaba is the most dangerous drug out there, If they are only testing for this drug I am all for it. The article does not mention anything about other drug??

[seri thai]

Can't find my source now, but there was an interesting article from Chang Noi that indicates that ISOC have taken their eye off the drug ball for the last 2 years and switched their funding and manpower to controlling political influence of "red-shirts" and winning hearts & minds in the North East.

Lack of border patrols and humint and the importers are well aware of it. Seems to be an increase in amphetamine supply all over Thailand and the inference is that the military have more important concerns right now. Especially fear of a Nepalese Maoist scenario.....

On a domestic level this translates to locking your doors and pockets and watching your back. Recession and unemployment will make things only worse.

In the long term you may have to decide what colour T-shirts you want to keep in your wardrobe. (a broad selection of neutral colours is best)

[dukkha]

Such a relief to be old, who could be bothered going out to a disco..noise etc...home is where the heart is...give me a good book anytime and a glass of vino, a few friends....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!

lap sabai...

[WatersEdge]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

I used drugs in the past but that is a long time ago, but i would be worried about a false positive too. Or about corrupt police trying to get you to pay up or frame you. Its just that i don't trust the police in Thailand that much.

My job is so easy on forums like this.

In order to make the chase a bit more challenging

Let me provide a few hints

The purple color is just how we actually bust you.

It is only so that you can understand why you are under arrest

No one needs that grape koolaid stuff any more

We first monitor the falang forums for evidence.

Drug use results in both paranoia & memory failure.

It also brings on an inflated sense of what constitutes personal liberty

wherever it was you were from...we flag occurrences of "personal liberty"

I think you boys are giving yourselves away.

Expect our visit a few minutes before 0500

even if you don't go to the speakeasy tonight

We never mistakenly haul anyone in.

The good citizens on innocent vacation

Remember everything,

Fear nothing,

Are concerned far more about personal responsibility back where they are from

We know they are clean just as they themselves do....it is written all over them.

If I was unexpectedly thrown into your position,

I'd quietly invest in window tint film, after market magnifying rear view mirrors and good tires

But above all,

don't let on that you are worried about it...

Narc Officers look first for the tiniest telltale hints of paranoia

insignificant things to the untrained eye,

eye twitches, scratching the side of the nose, moving feet while seated

This Slippery body language is like a beacon on a fog horn to us

Be bold,

have loads of personal liberty,

do your mess right out in the open,

because we always check the back rooms first.

Do your deals outdoors under a streetlight in bright clothing,

we will ever suspect that

Also, Our manual teaches that druggies collect and discard many women.

If you only ever are seen with the same respectable woman,

you can do whatever your personal liberty says.

Finally, Narc Officers are trained that exactly half of all Druggies prefer ugly women.

Make sure your one steady is pretty, and every other day you are safe.

Enjoy your stay in Thailand.

It's the things I didn't tell you that I will still bust you on.

So your paranoia is justified.

You won't necessarily need your memory

Your personal liberties will be returned in the same manila envelope as your jewelry and civilian clothing

along with your release papers and expulsion orders.

Oh yes,

There are no Visa formalities at the Phuket Provincial Prison,

we handle all your 90 day extensions

We are truly a one-stop accommodation.

[tranquillize]

I guess i won't be eating any poppy seed muffins before my next trip to Patong

Sounds like a good way of annoying the public without accomplishing a whole lot.

[parryhandy]

When I read these stories it terrifies me. I have never used drugs, but the thought of a false positive, and subsequently being sent to the woefully overcrowded Phuket Provincial Prison for who knows how long scares the hel_l out of me. From where I am from, this blatant violation of personal liberty would be unconscionable.

And where are you from? You can always demand a re-test and sure, sit in jail until they'll retest you but you're not gonna die. Even if tested positive..you go through stationary procedure like you would do elsewhere. And yes, US or German cops can be nasty too...so no reason to wet your pants.

Good luck with demanding anything.A guy I now was breathalysed and when at the station he asked for a blood test and/or to blow into another machine, no chance.

[phuketrichard]

If it gets rid of the riff-raff and deviants that plague Thailand, I'm all for it.

HUH???

Its not aimed at the farangs but the thais and Yaba so ur saying they should be sent ...where???

As far as smoking pot goes, Another reason why i choose Cambodia for now :-)

Edited March 7, 2009 by phuketrichard

[celtasia]

Yaba is the most dangerous drug out there, If they are only testing for this drug I am all for it. The article does not mention anything about other drug??

Yes yaba is dangerous and lucrative, thats why many police top up their wages with little or not so little deals. If you are in with the police you can sell it, if not then look out.