BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s drug regulator warned partygoers after a suspected case of knockout drops, believed to be GHB, in an entertainment venue left one person suffering seizures and needing hospital treatment while the exact substance was still under examination.
Warning followed social media reports
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to posts on social media claiming that a person in an entertainment establishment had possibly been exposed to a substance suspected to be GHB. According to the agency, the individual later experienced seizures and required hospital care, while verification of the substance’s identity was still ongoing.
FDA Secretary-General Supattra Boonserm said perpetrators could secretly mix such agents into water, other drinks or even food. The agency listed GHB, Alprazolam, Ketamine and Flunitrazepam as among the most commonly misused substances.
Rapid impact on the nervous system
The FDA stated that these substances could act on the nervous system within 10 to 20 minutes. In bars and clubs, particular vigilance was considered crucial because symptoms could appear quickly and leave victims helpless in a short time.
As possible warning signs, the authority cited dizziness, extreme tiredness, confusion, blurred vision and general weakness. Other reported symptoms included nausea, vomiting and breathing difficulties.
How nightlife visitors can protect themselves
The FDA advised partygoers not to leave drinks unattended, not to continue drinking from an old glass and to ensure bottles were opened in front of them or that drinks were mixed directly in their presence. It also urged people to go out in groups, watch friends for unusual symptoms and consistently refuse food, drinks or cigarettes from strangers.
If someone showed worrying symptoms, friends or venue staff should be alerted immediately and the person taken to hospital as quickly as possible. The FDA stressed that affected individuals should not be left alone and should not leave with an unknown person.
Controlled drugs still sold online
According to the agency, the substances mentioned were controlled psychotropic drugs that were not allowed to be sold freely. Nevertheless, they continued to appear on the illegal market, particularly through online channels.
Those with information about illegal trade or suspected cases could report them to the authorities, the FDA said. The agency named its hotline 1556 as the contact number.