Over the last few nights (commencing 3rd May 2007) there have been several police raids in Soi 6, also known as Soi Yodsak.

According to Pattaya City News:-

A team of officers from the Banglamung District Licensing Unit who were backed up by “Opo po lor” Civil Volunteers conducted a check on bars along Soi 6 also known as Soi Yodsak. The group made checks on liquor licenses and also checked for the presence of CCTV Cameras which is a new requirement for entertainment venues in Pattaya.

10 Bar Managers were detained for further questioning due to problems with their licenses.

The group will continue their checks during the next 3 days so if you do own a bar, especially in the Central Pattaya area, you can expect a visit from this group of officials.

Apparently the boys in brown on Soi 6 were specifically looking for a “license to open a bar”. This is apparently a ‘new’ tactic as opposed to “license to sell” (booze, cigarettes, whatever) that they have checked in the past.

Bars that have operated for some time, and are perhaps on their thirty-fifth owner are so far removed from the “license to open” that many had no idea WHAT they were talking about.

50,000 fine on the spot, payable that night to stay open was the GUARANTEE that you’d go get such paper ASAP. Refundable like bail money SURE!

Source: Thaianxiety

As of last night, up to ten bars are still closed including The Corner Bar, E&T, 3 Angels, Super Star and Bret Bar.