Pattaya police crackdown on bars violating operating hours and licensing laws

Police raided four bars in Pattaya yesterday after they received complaints that the venues were open beyond legal hours and selling alcohol without a licence.

The targeted bars were located on Soi Kho Phai, South Pattaya Road and Pattaya Third Road. Officers found that these establishments, including the Host Bar, were open much longer than permitted.

The investigation also revealed that the Host Bar was selling alcohol without the required licence. Additionally, some of the venues sold kratom-laced beverages without proper authorisation. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has stimulant effects and is regulated in Thailand.

Charges have been filed against these bars, and Thai authorities are considering permanent closure for repeat offenders. The names of the bars and individuals involved have not been disclosed due to ongoing legal proceedings. Legal closing times for bars in Pattaya vary by location and license type, typically ranging from midnight to 4 a.m.

Police have said they will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with Thai laws at all bars and entertainment venues, reports Pattaya News.

In the past, similar raids in Pattaya have revealed illegal activities such as unlicensed alcohol sales and drug use. These proactive measures are part of a broader effort to ensure businesses operate legally and provide a safe environment for residents and tourists.

In related news, police arrested an injured Swedish man outside a hotel in Pattaya's Na Jomtien neighborhood on Sunday. He had stolen two motorcycles from a taxi driver and a local man. The first theft was captured on security footage from a kratom shop at midnight on June 2, and the shop owner shared the video on social media.