BANGKOK, Thailand – Interior Ministry officials raided the 577 Club in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district at 1:30 a.m. on August 29, alleging it was operating as an unlicensed entertainment venue, serving alcohol outside legal hours, and linked to drug activity, marking the second time the establishment has been targeted by authorities. The Department of Provincial Administration’s DOPA S.W.A.T. team found hundreds of Thai and foreign customers inside the club on Pracha Uthit 11 Road, with officials reporting that some customers tested positive for drugs and that narcotics were found within the premises.

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The operation, named “Singha Prab Mangkon Thamin” (Lion Crushes the Dark Dragon), was led by Deputy Interior Ministers Pholphee Suwanchawee and Waris Sliangsiriphet, and followed complaints that the venue, known locally as the “Chinese Huai Khwang pub,” was operating illegally, selling drugs, and serving alcohol beyond permitted hours. Investigators said previous surveillance on July 27 and 28 showed the large venue, which features live music, singers, DJs, several service zones, and private VIP rooms, continuing to admit customers after 2 a.m., with an estimated 300 to 400 customers inside at around 3 a.m. and remaining open at 4 a.m.

Government records showed no entertainment-venue licence for the business, and the club had previously been raided but resumed operating despite being less than three kilometres from responsible agencies. Those found with drugs in their systems and those linked to drugs seized at the venue will be dealt with separately under the Narcotics Code and related laws, with investigators seeking to identify suppliers and wider networks.

Officials said several Vietnamese employees could speak Chinese and that recruitment appeared to favour Chinese-speaking staff, with a Chinese national allegedly seen directing employees and resolving problems at the venue. Investigators are examining whether that person had a management role, as well as possible Chinese investment and the use of Thai nominees to conceal foreign ownership or control. The club accepted payments through Alipay and WeChat, with the payee shown as 577 Club SAENG MUNGKORN.THONG CO., Ltd., and payments were also reportedly accepted through several personal bank accounts.

Authorities will examine the company structure, shareholders, investment sources, controlling parties, and ultimate beneficiaries, while foreign staff were detained after officials found allegations that they were working outside their authorised roles. Their supervisors and other people connected to the club were sent to police investigators.

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Deputy Minister Pholphee expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that the club had been ordered closed but resumed operations, and warned that officials who fail to act against such establishments would face consequences.

-Thailand News (TN)