Police break up party at sauna, one of 60 suspects tests positive for Covid-19

Pol Colonel Ekkaphop Tanprayoon, Wang Thong Lang Police Station’s superintendent, said on Monday that the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will provide details on the case.

“To ensure officers’ safety, the police station will be disinfected, and the 30 members of the police raid team will be tested for Covid-19,” he said.

He added that all police officers received their second Covid-19 jab on Monday. “We will find out on Tuesday if any of the officers have been infected and if they need to be isolated,” he added.

In the raid on Saturday night, police officers arrested some 60 partygoers, including members of staff.

The raid was conducted after people in the area told police that the sauna was allegedly used as a site for drug trafficking and could be a source of Covid-19 infections.

At the raid, officers reportedly found packs of methamphetamine, other drugs, a syringe and used condoms.

The suspects, including party organisers Surat Jitpuengtham, 41, and Nathachpong Saengkaew, 38, and Jinna Kritjinda, 63, who claimed to be the sauna owner. They have been charged with violating the state of emergency, the Communicable Disease Act and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s measures. Those who tested positive for drug usage will face additional charges under the narcotics laws.

However, seven suspects denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The suspects stand to face up to 30,000 baht in fines and/or up to seven months in prison based on their wrongdoing.