Huai khwang: The crackdown on Chinese-owned pubs in the Huai Khwang area has intensified with police targeting 40 venues, aiming to dismantle nominee networks and curb drug trafficking. According to Thai News Agency, the operation, spearheaded by Police Colonel Kamphol Rattanaprateep and his team, has already led to charges against 8 suspects linked to the "Chinese Pub 577" case.
Investigators at Huai Khwang Police Station have submitted the case file to the district court, charging a Thai male owner with operating an unlicensed business and selling alcohol beyond permitted hours. Two Chinese nationals from Hong Kong face charges for possession of Ecstasy, while five others are accused of working without documents. The Thai owner confessed to operating without a license, stating he used his own capital.
Authorities are investigating nominee arrangements, drug trafficking, and financial transactions through Chinese applications. Efforts are underway to trace drugs found during the raid and examine financial records. The shop owner will be further questioned to determine the origins of funds and whether they involve domestic or international entities. No mention of Chinese applications or foreign currencies has been found in arrest reports so far.
Amidst rumors involving "Joe D.S.", the Deputy Commander confirmed an ongoing investigation into five senior officers at Huai Khwang Police Station. No concrete information has emerged regarding "Joe D.S." or his existence. Administrative arrest records do not reference the issue.
Huai Khwang Police Station is set to regulate 40 entertainment venues, with 28 possessing valid licenses and 12 operating as semi-pubs. The venues will be categorized into three groups: Red for high-risk venues, Yellow for those with license issues, and Green for compliant venues. A four-week operational plan is in place to ensure compliance, address business concerns, collaborate with agencies, and report findings to policymakers, aiming to resolve long-term issues and restore public confidence.