Attention, expats! Increasing knockout drop risks in Thailand's bars!

Attention, expats! Increasing knockout drop risks in Thailand's bars!

In Phuket, not everything that glitters is gold. The local lifestyle, which is tempting for many foreigners, also has its downsides. Karl, a 67-year-old German who has lived in Thailand for five years, experienced this firsthand. After a fun evening at a bar, he wakes up to find his wallet, credit cards and even his smartphone all gone. This is not an isolated incident, but part of a worrying trend. Over the past two years, the number of reports of knockout drop attacks, particularly targeting older men over 55, has increased. Wochenblitz points out that the odorless and tasteless substances work within a few minutes and can put victims into a state of unconsciousness.

Before you think that this only happens to the unwary, it should be mentioned that groups of perpetrators often act as teams. They observe their victims and mix knockout drops into their drinks while they are distracted - often by stimulating conversations in one of the numerous bars. In fact, in Bangkok alone there were more than 180 reports of narcotics in restaurants between January and September 2024, an increase of around 40% compared to the previous year. A German expat reports a dizzying experience in Hua Hin in which he lost 2,800 euros and 95,000 baht.

Safety precautions and possible solutions

Safety precautions in bars are a key factor. Some operators have installed surveillance cameras and trained bartenders to identify suspicious activity early. Nevertheless, as Wikipedia explains, knockout drops are often no longer detectable after 24 hours, which makes it more difficult to provide evidence and allows the perpetrators to get away with virtually impunity. The use of narcotics to steal is punished as a serious crime in Thailand, but the current explosiveness of the situation suggests ongoing problems.

The impact on the tourism industry is fatal. More and more seniors, often socially isolated, are looking to socialize in bars, making themselves particularly vulnerable to such acts. Expat groups on social media warn and support each other, providing education and information sessions to raise awareness of these risks. Experts also recommend ordering drinks directly from the bartender and taking sudden changes in well-being seriously.

The role of the authorities

Another explosive aspect of the issue is the recent arrest of police lieutenant colonel Dr. Air, which came into focus due to the trade in knockout drops. This formerly respected police officer and doctor is said to be involved in a network that illegally sold prescription sleeping pills. Schönes Thailand reports that the Thai FDA informed the police about suspicious medications that Dr. Air and several accomplices were obtained in large quantities. The investigation revealed that over 170,000 tablets of various control substances were seized and the suspicious activities generated a cash flow of approximately $2.45 million.

The devastating effects of the knockout drop trade require decisive action by the authorities. Greater police presence in nightlife areas is a first step, but the challenge remains as long as there are lucrative victims. Common sense and vigilance are the best ways to protect yourself from these criminal activities. The future will show whether the efforts to increase security will be fruitful and whether the time of carefree times will return to Phuket.