Bangkok police smash luxury Watthana hotel men-only party in after-midnight raid, seizing drugs, arresting four, detaining 25, and linking organisers to a previous Thonglor drug and sex event, warning future private gatherings face strict narcotics enforcement.
An after-midnight police blitz smashed a private men-only party in a luxury Watthana hotel suite early Sunday, following direct orders from top police brass. Officers stormed the high-end venue and reported finding a drug-fuelled sex gathering hidden inside one of Bangkok’s most exclusive districts. Police stressed the focus was illegal narcotics, not private conduct, yet said the scale and planning showed a “blatant repeat operation.” Investigators confirmed the same organisers ran a similar event on December 8 in Thonglor. Four men were charged on the spot, while 25 others were hauled to Lumpini Police Station for questioning, with officers warning more charges are likely as seized evidence is analysed.
Police in Bangkok launched a high-profile raid on a private party in a luxury hotel suite in the Watthana area shortly after midnight on November 2. Officers said they seized illegal drugs, arrested several men, and detained others for questioning. Moreover, police described the raid as part of a broader crackdown on narcotics in nightlife and tourist areas.
The operation occurred at 12:30 a.m., according to police statements. It followed online monitoring that flagged a private event allegedly involving drug use. As a result, senior national and metropolitan police leaders moved swiftly. They said they had gathered intelligence indicating drug distribution and consumption inside the hotel suite.
Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, ordered the operation. In addition, Police General Samran Nuanma, Police Lieutenant General Somprasong Yenthuam, Police Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong, Police Lieutenant General Siam Bunsom, and Police Major General Teeradej Thamsuthee led the coordinated force. Senior investigators and narcotics specialists also joined the mission. Therefore, the operation carried significant authority and visibility.
Police breach luxury hotel suite and uncover men only party with drugs and sexual activity in Watthana
The raid was labelled Operation “Breaking the Gold Mine Party.” Police said the event was advertised privately to adult men. Officers entered the hotel through a back entrance to avoid attention. Then, they moved quickly through the hallway and breached the suite. Inside, officers reported finding 29 men, most wearing only underwear.
The hotel suite included several rooms. Consequently, officers searched each space. Police stated they found evidence of drug use and sexual activity. Used condoms, drug paraphernalia, and lubricant containers were visible, according to investigators. Although the raid disrupted a private gathering, police insisted the target was criminal drug conduct, not personal behaviour between consenting adults.
When officers entered, they found open drug containers and what they described as a party atmosphere. Furthermore, police claimed they saw syringes, small packets, and vape-type bottles believed to contain illegal inhalants. Several men reportedly attempted to move toward the bathrooms and corners of the room, but officers quickly secured the suite.
Authorities said they seized 1.11 grams of crystal methamphetamine, two methamphetamine pills, one bottle of liquid ecstasy, and 0.75 grams of ketamine. They also confiscated two boxes of Viagra, 30 bottles of poppers, ten syringes, and assorted drug tools. Additionally, police collected condoms and lubricant gel as supporting evidence of the gathering’s purpose.
Police detain twenty nine men and identify four drug suspects during on site screening at venue
Officers detained all 29 individuals and performed on-site screening. They said four men tested positive for drugs during urine tests. Investigators declared that three men were found in possession of illegal substances, while another man tested positive without possessing physical drugs. Therefore, the police separated those four individuals for immediate legal processing.
The men formally charged include:
First, Mr. Thaweephon, age 35, who police said possessed methamphetamine, amphetamine-type substances, ecstasy, and ketamine. He also allegedly distributed inhalants. Furthermore, he tested positive for drug use.
Second, Mr. Phongsakorn, age 34, whom police accused of possessing and consuming ecstasy.
Third, Mr. Krityachon, age 27, who officers claimed held crystal methamphetamine. Police also alleged he encouraged others to use drugs.
Fourth, Mr. Stiwanit, age 31, who police said tested positive for illegal drug use.
Authorities withheld full surnames pending further legal actions.
Twenty five other men taken to Lumpini Station as police probed device links and immigration status
Meanwhile, 25 other men were escorted to Lumpini Police Station for questioning and identity checks. However, police stated that these individuals were not immediately charged. Their status remains under review. Officers are examining digital devices and communication logs to determine whether any participants played a role in planning the event or distributing drugs.
Pol. Col. Yingyot Suwanno, Superintendent of Lumpini Police Station, said officers are still interviewing the detainees. He emphasised that due process would be followed. Additionally, he said investigators would check immigration status for any non-Thai attendees. According to police, one Filipino man was present among the group.
Senior officers defended the raid. They argued the operation aligned with strict anti-drug policies and community safety goals. Moreover, Police Major General Teeradej emphasised that poppers and similar inhalants are regulated medical substances. Misuse without prescription, he said, is illegal. He warned against treating them as recreational products.
Police leaders also stated that the group linked to the event may have been connected to a similar case from December 2024 in the Thonglor area. Consequently, investigators plan to explore whether the same organisers arranged both gatherings. Police Lieutenant General Siam Bunsom ordered a full expansion of the investigation.
Observers question privacy and surveillance as police linked event to previous Thonglor drug party
Although authorities described sexual activity in the suite, they did not announce charges related to private conduct. Officials repeatedly emphasised that the focus was narcotics enforcement. Still, the raid raises questions about policing strategies and privacy in private hotel settings. Some legal observers may examine whether the surveillance used to identify the event complied with privacy rules. Nevertheless, police said they acted on solid intelligence regarding drug distribution.
Later, police detectives revealed that the party’s organisers were the same people responsible for another high-profile raid on December 8 in the Thonglor area of Bangkok. Police sources suggested that the perpetrators were brazenly disobeying the law and showed no remorse from the previous occasion.
Tourism areas in Bangkok often receive heightened police scrutiny, particularly during holiday and nightlife peaks. As a result, authorities stressed that future raids may occur in hotels, condominiums, rooftop bars, and rental residences. They urged residents and tourists to avoid illegal drugs and report suspicious activity.
Police promise legal protections while warning private venues face more raids under strict drug laws
Despite the dramatic nature of the raid, police stated that all detainees would receive standard legal protections. Officers promised that medical conditions and safety concerns would be respected. Additionally, they confirmed that those who tested negative and were not linked to drugs might be released after questioning.
While the operation appeared to target a closed, consensual gathering, police insisted their priority was stopping narcotics circulation. They warned that even small-scale drug events can serve as distribution points for larger networks. Furthermore, they said the case will proceed under Thailand’s narcotics laws, which carry significant penalties.
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The investigation remains active. Authorities plan to trace supply lines for the seized substances. They will also review digital evidence for potential online coordination. In short, police intend to pursue every lead.
For now, the raid sends a clear message. Private gatherings in high-end venues are not exempt from drug enforcement campaigns. Consequently, nightlife communities, event hosts and hotel operators may face increased scrutiny in the coming months.
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Further reading:
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