Pattaya
Pattaya police have arrested over 50 people in a major crackdown on drug use and crime during Operation “Parasite Clean-up Part 2” in the Jomtien area.
At 5:00 AM on December 23rd, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, the Chief of Chonburi Provincial Police, led a large-scale operation called “Parasite Clean-up Part 2” to crack down on crime.
The operation targeted various criminal activities in the Jomtien area, specifically in Soi 2, 3, and 4, located in Pattaya. Over 900 officers were involved in the crackdown as well as drug sniffing dogs.
These alleys had previously been on the news for open drug dealing and multiple arrests earlier this month. The area mainly consists of 5-story buildings with businesses like beer bars, restaurants, laundry shops, and massage parlors on the ground floor, while the upper floors are used as living spaces. Many of the buildings are abandoned and run-down, especially since COVID-19, leading to a large number of squatters and homeless in the area. Prior to COVID-19, the area contained many more legitimate businesses but unlike other parts of Pattaya and Jomtien never fully recovered, instead becoming full of illegal activity, say police.
During the operation, authorities cut internet signals and communication systems, as well as water and electricity in some areas. They then carried out searches of the buildings to find illegal items, such as weapons and drug paraphernalia, and tested people for drug use. Some individuals were found using methamphetamine and acting erratically, while others were found in possession of drugs.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakrit stated that the operation aimed to eliminate all forms of crime, such as drug offenses, weapon possession, and drug dealing. Over 50 arrests were made.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakrit added that future operations will focus on eradicating the root of the problem, using a model called the “Jomtien Soi 3 Model” to continue cracking down on drug dealers and users and prevent such activities from happening again. This model especially involves shock and awe style raids in areas with known drug problems to eradicate the issue. After the illegal activities are eradicated police hope to work with business owners and city officials to reopen many family friendly businesses in the area and reinvigorate business overall.
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