Pattaya, Thailand-
Banglamung authorities reported that they raided a total of seven allegedly illegally operating entertainment venues in Pattaya early this morning, January 29th, 2022.
The majority of the raids took place around 1:00 AM, several hours after the current legal closing time of 11:00 PM as mandated by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in Bangkok and the Chonburi Communicable Disease Committee.
The raids were led by Mr. Wuttisak Singhadecho, Bang Lamung District Chief, along with a large contingent of Pattaya Police.
A total of seven venues were raided, although not all of them were explicitly named to the press.
According to Mr. Wuttisak, the venues included the Diviarium Cafe in Jomtien Complex where over fifty people were found allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules like not wearing masks, social distancing, and other disease control measures. The venue was also allegedly selling alcohol past the legal closing time of 11:00 PM and breaking Chonburi Communicable Disease Control orders. Some customers reportedly tried to flee from police.
Also raided were bars (converted restaurants) in the Soi Bongkot and Soi Buakhao area. Legally, bars and nightlife have been closed in Thailand nationally since April of 2021 due to Covid-19 regulations although have been allowed to recently reopen as “restaurants” with strict rules, certifications, and regulations.
The managers/caretakers of the venues were arrested and legal charges relating to the alleged violation of disease control measures will be filed, according to Mr. Wuttisak. It was not immediately clear if any customers were fined or arrested.
Mr. Wuttisak also stated that the raids would continue and that they were not meant to hassle business owners, according to him, but due to officials caring about the public health of tourists and residents in terms of Covid-19.
