Pattaya, Thailand–
Early this morning, September 5th, 2024, dozens of Pattaya police raided an entertainment venue. The operation was part of a newly announced 5-Free policy set by Pattaya police, which aims to ensure entertainment venues are child-free, drug-free, weapon-free, prostitution-free, and free of danger (safe.)
At 2:36 AM, Pol. Lt. Col. Sirichat Nuthet, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Pattaya City Police Station, and Mr. Pichananon Thawisuk, Banglamung District Chief, led a team of over 50 officers, including human trafficking suppression officers, to inspect entertainment venues across Pattaya City.
The team targeted the Fin Pub Pattaya on Third Road, where they found more than 200 tourists partying and dancing. Officers ordered the venue to turn off the music, turn on the lights, and stop the party. They separated male and female tourists and checked their ID cards to ensure no minors under the age of 20 were present. No drugs were found during the initial inspection.
However, subsequent urine tests revealed that more than 20 tourists had purple urine, indicating potential drug use. A clear plastic zip-lock bag was also found on the premises and will be tested for drugs. CCTV footage will be reviewed to identify the person who discarded the bag during the inspection.
Officers also searched the cars parked in the venue’s lot for weapons and drugs but found nothing illegal. Tourists with purple urine were taken to a local hospital for further drug screening. Those found with drugs in their system will face legal prosecution and be officially arrested.
In Thailand, notes The Pattaya News, it is legal to perform drug tests during club inspections such as this. Generally, however, clubs targeted are focused on Thai tourists and not foreign tourists, although this isn’t always the case. Checking vehicles parked on club premises is also legal in Thailand.
The club itself was operating legally, with proper licenses and no issues, said police.
Authorities have issued a stern warning to entertainment venue operators in Pattaya to strictly adhere to the 5-Free policy and comply with all laws. Failure to do so will result in prosecution, as the government aims to maintain a positive image for Pattaya as a world-class family-friendly tourist destination.
