BANGKOK — Huai Khwang police discovered 26 Chinese partygoers and methamphetamine during a raid on an illegal entertainment venue in Din Daeng district early Tuesday.
In the early hours of November 5, officers from Huai Khwang Police Station, Bangkok, and the Children and Women’s Welfare Division raided a 5-story commercial building at 7 Soi Pracharatbamphen 4, Din Daeng district, Bangkok, following reports of an illegal entertainment venue.
Officers found that the 1st and 2nd floors were still under construction and renovation. On the 3rd floor, they discovered two furnished rooms equipped with lighting and sound systems. They found 26 Chinese patrons total – Room 1 had 7 people (3 men, 4 women) and Room 2 had 19 people (13 men, 6 women). Both rooms were being used for drinking and dining.
During the search, drug paraphernalia was found in Room 1, and outside Room 2, officers discovered a handbag containing crystal-like substances resembling ice (methamphetamine) in 4 zip-lock bags.
Officers arrested Sakorn, age 25, from Chai Prakan district, Chiang Mai, who identified himself as the building’s manager and caretaker. He stated that the building was being renovated into a karaoke establishment, but due to customer demand, he illegally opened for business, charging 20,000 baht per room.
When officers requested to see entertainment venue licenses, they found the establishment had no permits for operating an entertainment venue or selling alcohol. The venue was also selling alcohol outside legal hours.
Sakorn was charged with operating an entertainment venue without a license, allowing or neglecting drug-related offenses on the premises, and selling alcohol outside permitted hours.
The arrest team transferred the suspect and evidence to Huai Khwang Police Station for legal proceedings. The patrons and staff were taken to Police General Hospital for drug testing.
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