The Lumpini Police Chief coordinated with the Bangkok Narcotics Suppression Office and related agencies to raid and seize two illegal nightclubs in the Ratchadamri area, central Bangkok, found operating without licenses. One tourist was detected with purple urine, but overall no illegal items were found during the operation.
At 11:30 p.m. on 5 July 2026, Police Colonel Yingyot Suwannono, Lumpini Police Chief, led a combined force with officials from the Bangkok Narcotics Suppression Office (BNSO), Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor, Immigration Police, Army and Navy Intelligence units, and the Economic Party led by General Rangsee Kitiyanatthap, MP Angsana Niamwanichkul (Dr. Nan), spokesperson for the Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics Suppression Commission, and MP Peerapol Kanokwalai, spokesperson for the State Security Commission on Thai Border Affairs, National Strategy, and National Reform, along with over 50 other involved officials.
They inspected two entertainment venues named “After Eight Bangkok” and “Yar Ma Nya Bar & Lounge,” located near each other in Soi Ratchadamri 1, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, following intelligence reports that these venues were operated by foreign individuals potentially involved in illegal activities.
Police Colonel Yingyot revealed that during the inspection, over 100 foreign tourists, both male and female, were found at the two venues, mostly intoxicated. Authorities required all tourists to undergo urine tests, initially finding one tourist with purple urine, though overall no illegal items were detected.
Both venues had only recently begun operations and attracted mainly foreign customers. The supervisors and managers were Thai nationals. Inspection revealed that neither venue had a business license to operate entertainment services. Additionally, violations were found regarding employees holding work permits not matching their registered employers, and a cashier was found to be engaged in work reserved exclusively for Thai nationals. Legal action was taken against a total of 15 employees.
Furthermore, the tourist testing positive for purple urine was charged with a drug-related offense. Authorities will continue investigating all involved parties and those behind the illegal operation of these venues.
MP Angsana stated she came to observe the operation as spokesperson for the Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics Suppression Commission after intelligence and the Center for the Suppression of Illegal Activities coordinated to involve her in the investigation. She noted that both venues had many foreign visitors despite lacking licenses, and some tourists tested positive for drugs. Further investigations will follow.
Initially, authorities detained all offenders and handed them over to the Lumpini Police Station investigators for legal proceedings.