Banglamung-
Police raided two large pool villa parties in the Pattaya area this morning (February 12th) where they have arrested 36 people for allegedly breaking the Covid-19 emergency decree related laws.
The team of police were led by the Hauy Yai Police Chief Colonel Apichanan Wattanawarangkun who raided the two pool villas that stand next to each other in Huay Yai at 6:30 A.M. this morning.
Police had responded to phone calls from people who were allegedly concerned about the gathering and noise complaints.
Twenty teenagers were found in the first villa who were described as nine men and 11 women, all found drinking alcohol. Suspicious material that may have been illegal drugs were discovered at the scene and taken for further testing. Police believe the substances may be marijuana and ketamine, the exact amounts found were not revealed to the press.
Police also found 16 more people which were described as 11 men and five women at the second villa nearby. More suspicious material believed to be ketamine was found but was brought for further testing to the police station.
Colonel Apinan told The Patttaya News, “They were celebrating a birthday party. Most of them live in Pattaya but as entertainment venues closed early, they continued their party at rented pool villas nearby.”
They are facing charges of breaking the emergency decree. All of them are taking drug testing for potentially further charges.
Under the emergency decree in Thailand, gatherings and parties are forbidden without proper social distancing measures and precautions. Penalities could lead to significant jail time and heavy fines.
Story by TPN
