Pattaya, Thailand – On August 18th, 2025, a meeting of government agency heads was convened at the Thappraya Meeting Room in Pattaya City Hall. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Patcharapat Sritanyanon, Banglamung District Chief, and Mr. Poramese Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya, with representatives from relevant agencies in full attendance.
During the meeting, Mr. Patcharapat briefed attendees on the implementation of the “BrokenDown Banglamung” initiative, aligning with the national agenda of “NO Drugs, NO Dealers” declared by Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Minister of Interior. This initiative aims to eradicate drug-related issues in Banglamung District, integrating efforts with four local police stations—Pattaya City, Banglamung, Nongprue, and Huay Yai—alongside Pattaya City, Pattaya Hospital, and the Banglamung Public Health Office. The goal is to transform Pattaya and its surrounding areas into a drug-free tourism hub.
From July 17th to August 16th, 2025, the campaign conducted 463 operations, including 207 by security forces, 136 by Pattaya City Police, 41 by Banglamung Police, 61 by Nongprue Police, and 18 by Huay Yai Police. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 84 drug dealers and 130 drug users, the closure of nine entertainment venues, and the seizure of 29,040 methamphetamine pills, 1,290 grams of crystal meth (ice), 51 grams of ketamine, 49 grams of powdered methamphetamine, 13 ecstasy pills, and two Porsche-branded drug items. Additionally, four drug checkpoints were established to enhance enforcement.
The meeting also highlighted engagements with over 1,000 operators of entertainment venues and similar establishments, who were briefed on the “Five-Free” policy: free of minors, weapons, drugs, safety hazards, and human trafficking. A joint declaration between security agencies and venue operators outlined strict measures, including immediate closure of venues for 15 days for the first offense, 30 days for the second, and five years for the third if more than 20% of staff or patrons test positive for drugs. Even in cases with fewer violations—such as five drug users among 200 patrons—if negligence is evident, a five-year closure may be imposed. This measure has been proposed to the provincial governor for strict enforcement.
The meeting concluded with Mr. Patcharapat noting challenges, particularly the limited budget for drug testing kits, especially for detecting ketamine and methamphetamine. With the high number of entertainment venues in the district, Banglamung has requested support from relevant agencies to distribute testing kits to all four police stations, ensuring thorough operations to establish Banglamung as a “drug-free white zone.”
