Anutin warns clubs to keep minors out

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 9 Jan 2024 at 04:28

Anutin warns clubs to keep minors out
A large crowd is seen inside Heaven Rangsit, a nightclub in Pathum Thani’s Khlong Luang district that was raided by officials early Sunday morning. Nearly 500 minors were found at the venue. (Photo: Department of Provincial Administration)

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday pledged to tighten controls on night entertainment venues to ensure that they keep underaged patrons, guns and narcotics out of their premises.

His remarks came after 489 minors were found at Heaven Rangsit, a popular nightclub in Pathum Thani, in a raid early on Sunday morning. According to police, the venue was also operating without the required licence.

Mr Anutin said on Monday all relevant agencies would step up monitoring to ensure these night entertainment spots operate within the bounds of the law.

According to Mr Anutin, the raided night entertainment venue appeared to have been purposely designed to cater to underage patrons, as there were secret exits which allowed them to slip out the back when authorities turned up.

He said the venue’s operator will face multiple charges, but no actions will be taken against those who are under 16. Their parents, however, will be summoned for questioning for suspected violation of the child protection law.

He added he has instructed security guards and authorities to be extremely careful when they encounter minors in nightspots.

“Apart from operating without a licence, this venue must have operated for some time. We must get to the bottom of this and find those who are responsible,” he said.

According to the Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) under the Ministry of Interior, despite its massive size, with a maximum capacity of approximately 1,000 patrons at a time, Heaven Rangsit was operating without the required licence.

About 50 DPA officials raided the venue at 12.30am on Sunday following many complaints from the public. There were about 1,000 patrons on site, but the bar’s staff managed to take some underage patrons through a back exit and hide them when officials showed up.

After officials blocked all access in and out of the venue and turned on the lights to question those in the club, they found 489 minors, the youngest of whom was 16, hiding at the back.