(Central News Agency reporter Li Zongxian, Bangkok, 10th) A bar in Khao San Road, a well-known tourist area in Bangkok, was raided early this morning by a team led by the Deputy Minister of the Interior. 31 people were found to have tested positive for drugs in urine tests. The bar's account records recorded monthly payments of 177,000 baht to various units. An investigation is underway to see if bribery is involved. In addition, the police had previously visited the scene for inspection but found no abnormalities, and relevant personnel were also transferred for investigation.
Polapee Suwunchwee, Deputy Minister of the Interior of Thailand, led the special operations team of the Local Administration Department of the Ministry of Interior to raid the OK Bar on Khaosan Road in Bangkok early this morning. The operation started at 3:30 in the morning.
The Bangkok Post reported that the authorities said the raids stemmed from public complaints that the bar had not obtained a business license, illegally sold alcoholic beverages and allowed minors to enter. Polaphi pointed out that the bar was ordered to close by the district office on August 4 due to health and public security issues, but the operators continued to operate.
Ronnarong Thipsiri, deputy director of the District Administration Department, said that 30 customers under the age of 20 were found at the scene, of which 20 were male and 10 were female, and the youngest was only 15 years old. Another 31 people tested positive for drug-related urine tests, four of whom were under 20 years old.
The authorities also seized guns and ammunition, imitation firearms, suspected drugs and related equipment, and found white powder similar to drugs on the toilet floor, as well as laughing gas balloons and e-cigarettes.
Separately, authorities found suspected bribery in the bar's books. The Nation reported that Polapi pointed out that in addition to recording employee salaries, beverage purchases and other expenses, there is also a column marked "payment to all units", with a monthly amount of approximately 177,000 baht (approximately NT$168,000).
According to the cashier, the payments are made every month, and authorities are tracing the purpose of the payments and which agencies or personnel are involved in the "all units" described in the accounts.
In addition, the investigation also triggered an investigation into whether the police had failed to enforce the law. Thai PBS reported that a preliminary investigation showed that at 1 a.m. this morning, investigation and crime prevention police officers from Chana Songkhram Police Station inspected the entertainment venue, but no violations were found at that time. The police station is only 200 meters away from the OK Bar.
The authorities have ordered the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate the reason why police officers went to the bar to check but reported no abnormalities. If relevant personnel are found to be involved in violations, they will be held criminally and disciplinary responsible in accordance with the law.
The authorities stated that the OK Bar was involved in multiple violations and would be ordered to close for five years. The bar manager has been detained and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
