Bangkok: Police raided a gold mine party at a well-known hotel in the heart of the city, arresting a group of gay men using drugs. It was discovered that they had been arrested the previous year.
According to Thai News Agency, in a raid on a gold mine party, police led a force of more than 50 officers from various units to 'enter through the back door' of a famous luxury hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 13 and go up to the hangout spot. They found a group of more than 29 LGBTQ+ men, 28 of whom were Thais and one Filipina man, all wearing only underwear. When they raided the small rooms, they found several rooms of orgies and discovered a large number of items such as crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy, ecstasy (liquid), numerous syringes, Viagra, Poppers (anal pain reliever), drug paraphernalia, used condoms scattered about, and lubricant gel. An investigation found three people in possession of illegal drugs, and four tested positive for drugs in their urine. The suspects were arrested.
Mr. Thaweephon, age 35, was charged with possession of multiple narcotics including methamphetamine, amphetamine, ice, and ecstasy, as well as possession of ketamine and selling or supplying inhalants. Mr. Phongsakorn, age 34, faced charges of possessing and using ecstasy. Mr. Krityachon, 27, was charged with possession of ice and encouraging others to consume narcotics and inhalants, along with personal consumption. Mr. Stiwanit, age 31, was charged with taking Category 1 narcotics.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradej Thamsuthee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau and deputy police spokesman, issued a warning about the misuse of poppers, originally intended for medical use, but illegally used by gay men to relieve pain during anal intercourse. Investigations revealed that the group responsible for this drug gathering is the same group arrested by officers on December 8, 2014, at Thonglor Police Station, indicating a lack of remorse for their actions.