Nothing illegal is happening in pubs and bars on Walking Street, say Pattaya police
Police swooped in on entertainment venues in Pattaya’s Walking Street in the early hours of Saturday to hunt down drugs, guns and illegal migrants.
Their aim was to ensure security ahead of the high tourist season and was inspired by a recent crackdown in Bangkok.
On October 26, 237 Chinese nationals were arrested at an alleged drug party in Bangkok’s Sathorn area. Also detained were 29 Thai and Cambodian employees. The so-called restaurant/karaoke joint is now being investigated for involvement in drug trafficking and money-laundering operations possibly being run by foreign gangs.
Read more 237 Chinese nationals arrested as police raid alleged drug party at Bangkok restaurant
The inspection on Saturday was led by Muang Pattaya Police Station in collaboration with Tourist Police Division 1 and Chonburi Immigration Police Bureau.
Police officers checked pubs, restaurants and karaoke joints on both sides of Walking Street to see if alcohol was being served to minors, if any drugs were being sold or consumed and if anyone was carrying a gun. They also checked foreign patrons’ passports and travel documents to ensure nobody had entered the country illegally, was overstaying or using fake IDs.
After the operation, police declared nothing illegal had been found and it was business as usual.
Pattaya on the east coast of Thailand is known as the “city of sin” due to its growing sex industry and buzzing nightlife. Prostitution is still illegal in Thailand, though authorities generally overlook it.
