Pattaya —
Pattaya police conducted a raid on a marijuana shop on December 11th, after receiving complaints that the shop was reportedly brazenly selling laughing gas balloons to tourists.
The raid, led by Mr. Phisit Sawatdinukul, the district chief of Banglamung, and a team of high-ranking Pattaya police officers, targeted the “Weed Pattaya” shop located in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province.
The operation was prompted by earlier reports that the Weed Pattaya shop was openly distributing balloons filled with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to tourists without fear about law enforcement.
Acting on undercover intelligence, officers purchased the questionable balloons from the shop for 300 baht each. They then arrested the suspect, identified by Pattaya police as Mr. Prakrit Thamuk (32), and seized 35 unused nitrous oxide tanks, 65 used tanks, 250 balloons filled with nitrous oxide, and two whip cream dispensers used for inflating the balloons.
During questioning, Mr. Prakrit reportedly admitted to selling the balloons with nitrous oxide. He claimed that he saw similar activities elsewhere and saw an opportunity for profit. He sold the balloons for 100-300 baht each and received daily sales worth tens of thousands of baht. However, Mr. Prakrit alleged that he was totally unaware of the legal consequences and potential health risks associated with inhaling nitrous oxide.
Meanwhile, Banglamung district chief Mr. Phisit stressed the seriousness of the situation. He highlighted the negative impact such activities could have on Pattaya’s tourism image. The district chief also commended the collaborative effort between the public and various departments that led to the successful operation.
According to the district chief, the suspect will face charges related to the distribution of illegal substances, which carry a jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to 10,000 baht.
Mr. Phisit stated that the raid served as a clear message that Pattaya authorities will not tolerate the sale of any prohibited substances, especially those posing a risk to public health and safety.
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