Chanthaburi Entertainment Venues Face Five-Year Closure Amid Drug and Underage Violations.

Chanthaburi: Authorities are preparing to order the closure of entertainment venues in the center of Chanthaburi for five years following a raid by the Department of Provincial Administration. The operation uncovered 96 customers with purple urine, indicating drug use, and revealed that children under 20 years old were being allowed to use the services. According to Thai News Agency, the raid targeted two entertainment venues in Tambon Talat, Amphoe Mueang, Chanthaburi Province, where over 800 patrons were enjoying themselves late last night. Urine tests conducted on the spot revealed that 96 individuals, comprising 59 men and 37 women, tested positive for drugs. Additionally, five minors under the age of 20 were found on the premises. The police swiftly took action by escorting the tourists who tested positive for drugs to the Chanthaburi City Police Station to record their fingerprints and create arrest records. Following this, the individuals were transported by van to Prapokklao Chanthaburi Hospital for necessary treatment before being granted bail. In response to these discoveries, the entertainment venues' operators are facing initial prosecution for several infractions. These include negligence in preventing drug-related offenses within their establishments, permitting minors to access their services, failing to verify official documents with photographs to confirm the ages of entrants, selling alcoholic beverages to minors, and promoting inappropriate behavior among children. Consequently, a proposal has been put forward for the provincial governor to mandate the closure of these establishments for a period of five years.