Drug tests have been carried out at several venues, Patong Police reported yesterday (Sept 24).
The current spate of “random” drug tests involved several venues along the popular nightlife street.
The operation was coordinated by Patong Police Chief Pol Col Chalermchai Hirasawat, and carried out through his deputies, Pol Lt Col Narubadin Panglisen Pol Lt Col Somporn Surin and Pol Lt Col Suchart Chumphusang.
Police were joined by Jiravat Namart and Sikarin Aninbon from the Kathu District Office, along with volunteers from the Kathu District branch of Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor).
Public health officials, led by Namchai Prateep from the Kathu District Public Health Office, also joined the operation.
The drug tests are part of the third phase of the campaign under the crime prevention and suppression plan by the Region 8 Police, under the theme “Protect the people, suppress dangers, be modern, and care for the people,” Patong Police noted.
The primary focus of the operation is Bangla Road. As part of the initiative, random urine tests were conducted under the "White Entertainment Venue Project" to ensure that employees at these establishments were drug-free, Patong Police explained in their brief report posted online.
A total of 141 employees were tested, comprising 73 males and 68 females, Patong Police reported. It was not reported if any of the tests returned positive.