Chonburi Immigration Police carried out a raid on a well-known cannabis club in Pattaya on September 14, 2024, leading to multiple arrests and the discovery of illicit substances. Acting on a tip-off that foreign tourists were holding a marijuana party, officers from the Chonburi Immigration Bureau, led by Pol. Col. Naphasapong Khositsuriyamanee, and the Pattaya Tourist Investigation unit inspected the club located on Soi Khao Phra Tamnak in South Pattaya. Inside, they found approximately 50 Thai and foreign tourists partying, smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, and dancing to DJ music.
As soon as the raid commenced, the party atmosphere shifted when police ordered the activity to stop and turned on the lights in the club. The club manager, a Thai woman, initially protested, demanding a search warrant. However, her objection faded after officers discovered packets of white powder, suspected to be ketamine, scattered on the floor. Police quickly separated the men and women to inspect passports and IDs using a biometric system and began drug testing the guests.
Among those arrested was a 41-year-old Canadian DJ who was found working without a valid work permit. Additionally, a 23-year-old British tourist, who was carrying a concealed knife, attempted to flee the scene during the raid. He was pursued by police for 800 meters before being caught in a nearby banana grove.
The club’s owner, identified as 26-year-old Ms. Suwan, was also taken into custody. She had hired a 32-year-old British national, her boyfriend, to work in the club without proper permission. Despite a clear sign prohibiting the smoking of marijuana inside the premises, police discovered marijuana ashtrays filled with cannabis joints, which violated public health regulations. Authorities have announced that they will propose suspending the club’s license due to the infractions.
The suspects were taken to the Pattaya City Police Station for questioning, where they now face various charges. Further legal proceedings are expected.
