National—
On February 16th, 2024, the Thai Anti Trafficking In Person Division (ATPD) launched a raid operation at buildings in Nonthaburi and Bangkok to eradicate laughing balloon production and distribution bases. As a result, 70,000 nitrous oxide tubes worth more than 2 million baht were confiscated.
According to the ATPD reports, vendors at entertainment districts illegally misused nitrous oxide or laughing gas for intoxication and recreational purposes. The laughing gas has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, which slows brain and heart function. If nitrous oxide is inhaled continuously for a long period of time, it may affect the brain and nervous system, causing the inability to balance, weakness in the limbs, and dementia.
In February 2024, ATPD took legal action against vendors who illegally sold laughing balloons on Khao San Road, Bangkok. To prevent further production and distribution of laughing gas, ATPD closely monitored online platforms selling nitrous oxide tubes or laughing gas.
Upon police investigation, on February 13th, the officers requested a search warrant from Nonthaburi Provincial Court at a building in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, where it stored and distributed nitrous oxide tubes. The police were able to track down another location in Suan Luang, Bangkok, as a distribution center.
Upon the police searches in two locations, more than 70,000 falsely labeled nitrous oxide whipped cream gas products and 500 laughing balloons, with an estimated value of 2 million baht, were confiscated as evidence.
Initially, the police pressed charges on Food Act-related offenses against the suspects involved in the production and distribution of nitrous oxide.
