More than 400 partygoers were caught using illegal drugs when officials raided a popular nightclub in Suphan Buri’s Muang district early Wednesday morning.
A special operations team from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), together with local authorities, stormed the “24 Bar” in tambon Sanam Chai around 1.30am after receiving complaints from residents. Over 1,000 patrons were still partying inside, many dancing to loud music.
Officers had sealed all exits before entering, blocking any escape attempts. They discovered around 50 customers under the legal age of 20, including one 15-year-old. Drug tests showed that 35 of the underage patrons had consumed illegal substances. The venue was also selling alcohol past legal hours.
During the raid, officials found numerous small plastic sachets containing illicit drugs and several knives discarded on the floor. Urine tests were conducted on all 1,042 patrons, with 415 returning positive results — 261 men and 154 women. Those who tested positive will face charges or be sent for mandatory rehabilitation, in line with the law.
The raid came after repeated complaints about illegal activity at local nightspots, including underage entry, after-hours alcohol sales and drug use. Authorities said the operator of 24 Bar will face multiple charges for allowing minors inside, selling alcohol to them, operating beyond legal hours and permitting drug-related offences in violation of National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) directives.
DOPA’s special operations team has recommended that the Suphan Buri governor close the venue for five years under powers granted by the NCPO. Governor Piriya Chanthadilok said on Wednesday he is preparing to issue the closure order.
He added that while earlier inspections had not uncovered evidence of drug activity, the appearance of a high-profile DJ on the night of the raid drew a large crowd from neighbouring provinces, prompting authorities to mount the large-scale operation.
