Koh Phangan —
On August 14th, 2024, the Anti Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) and relevant authorities in Surat Thani arrested the owner of a bar in Koh Phangan for illegally selling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) balloons to tourists.
Earlier, Surat Thani authorities arrested a 33-year-old bar owner in Koh Tao for a similar offense, seizing three gas tanks, 14 used balloons, 120 unused balloons, 38 balloon exchange tickets, and 500 baht in cash.
The suspect reportedly confessed to purchasing nitrous oxide from a company in Mueang, Surat Thani, and had been selling it for about six months. The suspect was charged with producing and selling a controlled substance (nitrous oxide) without authorization.
On August 17th, the Surat Thani local media reported that authorities conducted raids at two locations where nitrous oxide was being stored in Surat Thani. At the first site, they found legally purchased nitrous oxide gas tanks.
At the second location, three tanks were seized, and 20 more were confiscated for further investigation. The company employees involved in selling the gas to the suspect were also questioned to proceed with legal action.
