Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jul 2005
Source: Pattaya Mail (Thailand)
Copyright: 2005 Pattaya Mail.
Contact:  http://www.pattayamail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2970
Author: Boonlua Chatree
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Thailand
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

JUSTICE MINISTER AND POLICE TOUR NIGHTSPOTS LOOKING FOR DRUG USERS

Fiasco Ensues After Minister Leaves

Justice Minister Suwat Liptapanlop toured Pattaya's nightclubs shortly
after midnight last Friday evening, accompanied by senior drug
suppression police and forensic officers.

Their first stop was the Star Dice in Naklua. Police blocked the doors
and began testing all 400 people inside for drug use. Only one person
tested positive, namely Cheng Chang Ko, 31, from Hong Kong, who tests
revealed was on methamphetamines.

Another tourist from Hong Kong, in a drunken state, began to create a
scene and police moved in to detain him, placing handcuffs on him. He
was later released when he had quieted down.

The justice minister was then led to Walking Street where a number of
venues were inspected before he returned to Bangkok.

Police remained in Walking Street, however, and entered Lucifer
Discotheque. Inside 400 people were herded together for drug testing.
Club management turned off the air conditioning and the overheated
atmosphere sent desperate clubbers gasping for the door. The result
was broken glass and damage to the property as 10 police officers
failed to hold their ground and test the frustrated crowd.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake