FIVE senior officers of Chana Songkhram police station have been transferred after a Department of Provincial Administration’s special operations unit raided an illegal pub on Khao San road last night soon after a police team from this station having done so and found no wrongdoing with this night venue also being just a few hundred metres from the station, Amarin TV said today (Oct. 10).
Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, chief of Metropolitan Police Bureau, said he has closed this pub and ordered the transfer of these five senior police officers to the bureau’s Division 1 Operations Centre in launching an investigation of their conduct to determine why the violations went undetected. He affirmed that if wrongdoing is found, both criminal and disciplinary actions will be taken.
As for whether the Chana Songkhram station superintendent was deceived or misled by subordinates concealing information, he stated that this matter requires further investigation.
The Department of Provincial Administration’s special operations unit (DOPA SWAT) launched “Sing Phadet Suek” (Lion Conquers the Foe) operation targeting OK Bar and found that it was operating without a licence, illegally selling alcohol past legal hours, and allowing minors to enter. Evidence of drug use and the sale of “laughing gas” balloons to patrons was also uncovered.
Undercover agents visited the venue, located on the second floor of a two-storey building. The interior featured a large hall with a stage for live music and multiple service zones; the establishment sold alcoholic beverages and provided musical entertainment. Although 4–6 security guards were stationed at the entrance, there were no checks of ID cards or searches for weapons prior to entry.
At 1.30 a.m., the undercover agents ordered alcoholic beverages and made payment via a banking application. The funds were transferred to an individual’s account, whom officials believe to be associated with the establishment. Video evidence of the incident was recorded; the events took place while the establishment was still open and serving alcohol. Investigations revealed that the venue remained open until nearly 6.00 a.m.
During the investigation, the undercover agents observed patrons behaving suspiciously—specifically, individuals repeatedly exiting the same restroom stall. Agents monitored the situation and captured photographic evidence. Upon inspecting the restroom, they discovered plastic straws—suspected of being used for narcotics—and a white powder resembling illicit drug on the floor. Agents also observed numerous patrons who appeared to be under the age of 20 ordering alcohol; additionally, “laughing gas” balloons were being sold to customers inside the venue.
Thirty patrons under the age of 20 were found, 20 male and 10 female, including one individual as young as 15.
A total of 31 individuals tested positive for drugs, including four youths under the age of 20 and two staff members (DJs).
Found at the premises were one firearm and ammunition, a replica firearm, a large quantity of illicit drugs discarded on the floor and “laughing gas” balloons and related paraphernalia scattered throughout the premises.
Evidence was uncovered indicating monthly bribe payments totaling over 177,000 baht to various agencies.
CAPTIONS:
This and Front Page: OK Bar was packed last night as photographed during a sting operation.
Fourth insert: Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom. Photos – Amarin TV
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