Bangkok—
At 2:20 AM, on December 10th, 2023, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Chokchai police officers, and relevant agencies launched a raid operation on SONIC, an entertainment venue, in Lat Phrao, Bangkok.
According to a report by the police, anonymous sources reported that the SONIC entertainment venue illegally provided services exceeding prescribed legal operating hours, sold illicit substances to customers, and had no operating license.
Anutin publicly revealed the operation results that there were 122 visitors out of 220 found positive for drug tests and the entertainment venue’s license had expired in 2020. Additionally, the entertainment venue had illegally opened for services over the prescribed legal operating hours of 2:00 A.M.
Furthermore, during the police search, Anutin revealed that various types of illicit substances were found such as amphetamine, ecstasy, and happy water. The venue even allegedly provided separate rooms for visitors to take illicit substances.
Initially, the entertainment venue was ordered to be shut down for 5 years and police officers would hold those who committed illegal acts accountable for their crimes.
Anutin asserted this raid operation was to respond to the Thai government’s economic stimulus policy that allows entertainment venues to provide services to 4:00 AM as of December 15th and to punish venues not currently following the law.
Every entertainment venue should keep in mind that it is necessary to follow the law strictly and have a legitimate license to operate the venue, said Anutin.
