BANGKOK, Thailand – The Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) has ordered an investigation into officers from Phra Khanong Police Station following a raid on the “Heng Charoen” entertainment venue in Bangkok, where 45 customers under the age of 20 were found and eight tested positive for drugs. The operation was carried out by the 191 emergency police unit together with Phra Khanong police at the venue in Prawet district after authorities discovered possible violations involving underage customers and illegal activities.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said on July 27 that he had instructed the commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5 to establish a fact-finding committee to examine whether local officers had neglected their duties. If the investigation finds that Phra Khanong police officers were involved in negligence or failed to properly enforce regulations, disciplinary action will be taken, he said. Siam added that police have been working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to conduct nightly inspections of entertainment venues across the capital following concerns over venue safety and illegal activities.
However, he acknowledged that Bangkok has a large number of nightlife venues, making it possible for officers to inspect only two or three locations per district each night. Police have assigned the 191 unit to handle the investigation into the pub, while the venue owner is being questioned and legal action is underway. Initial charges include allowing customers under the age of 20 to enter the venue, operating an entertainment establishment without proper authorization, and allowing illegal drugs to be present on the premises. Authorities are also considering an order to temporarily close the venue.
