Chiang Mai—
At 12:30 AM, on November 1st, 2023, Mr. Ronarong Thipsiri, the Inspector General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Chiang Mai Province, DOPA SWAT, and relevant officials launched a raid operation on an illegal entertainment venue in Chang Phueak area, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai.
The DOPA officials had received a complaint from locals who lived near the alleged entertainment venue in the Chang Phueak area about the venue allegedly making loud noises late at night and providing services to many minors.
The alleged establishment was well-known to locals, especially high school and college students under 20 years of age. The name of the venue, however, was withheld by authorities pending further investigation.
After the authorities inspection, there were no fire exits found and no license to provide services to the public. Furthermore, the establishment sold liquor beyond the legally prescribed hours, at 2:00 AM, and illegally sold liquor to minors.
During the operation, there were more than 300 visitors and more than 242, or 90% of them were minors under 20 years of age. Many visitors attempted to flee to the entrance and exits, however, the DOPA SWAT had enclosed the establishment.
As per the policy from Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister, the DOPA officials across Thailand arranged DOPA SWAT to eradicate local influential figures, drug dealers, human trafficking, gambling, and illegal firearms and had kicked off on November 1st, 2023.
Ronarong publicly warned the owners of entertainment venues that they should continue following the law, especially on the prohibition of providing services to persons under 20 years of age, selling illicit substances, and carrying firearms.
“If found breaking the laws, the owners will be held accountable for their crimes and the establishment will be shut down for 5 years,” stated Ronarong.
