SRI RACHA, THAILAND – A village chief in the Bo Win subdistrict dispersed a late-night gathering of more than 100 teenagers at a Kratom drink shop after repeated complaints from residents.
Night patrol responds to resident complaints
On the late evening of 12 December 2025, Apichat NunChuay, village chief of Moo 3, was on a routine patrol in his area. He was accompanied by Noppadol Thomya, inspector for the subdistrict head, several deputy village chiefs and six members of the local security team. The group first checked remote spots where cars and motorcycles were parked and asked people present to leave for safety reasons.
They also inspected traditional massage businesses in order to prevent prostitution. According to the officials, these checks formed part of ongoing efforts to address residents’ concerns about late-night activity and possible risks in the neighborhood.
Popular Kratom drink shop under scrutiny
Based on direct tips from nearby residents, the patrol moved on to a popular Kratom drink shop located behind the former Krungsri Ayudhya Bank branch in the Bo Win subdistrict. The business served not only Kratom-based drinks but also functioned as an informal snack venue. Authorities said the shop had attracted growing groups of youths on a daily basis for about two months.
At the site, the team found more than 80 parked motorcycles in front of the premises. Inside, over 100 male and female teenagers, mostly between 15 and 19 years old, were consuming Kratom drinks and socializing in the late evening hours.
Shop ordered to close for the night
The village chief immediately ordered the shop to close for the night and instructed all teenagers to leave and go home. Officials stated that the aim was to prevent late-night gatherings that disturbed residents and could pose security risks. The action followed repeated complaints about daily nighttime loitering around the venue.
Apichat stressed that the intervention would not remain a one-time measure.
“If future patrols find similar gatherings at this location, the shop and those involved will be arrested in cooperation with the Bo Win police station.”
said Apichat NunChuay, village chief of Moo 3.
Balancing legality of Kratom and youth protection
Local authorities emphasized that the operation was intended to uphold public order, protect young people and reassure residents who had complained about nightly gatherings and potential risks. They pointed out that licensed Kratom drinks had been broadly legal in the country since decriminalization. However, the sale to minors and any harassment or noise disturbances in residential areas remained under close official scrutiny.
Local example of community enforcement
Officials in Bo Win presented the inspection as an example of how communities sought to balance new legal freedoms with youth protection and the interests of residents. They indicated that similar patrols and checks would continue, with a focus on high-traffic venues drawing large youth crowds at night. The case highlighted how local leaders and security teams cooperated with police to respond quickly to neighborhood complaints.