Late Wednesday night, police and officials carried out a raid on beer bars near a boxing stadium on Loi Kroh Road in Muang district in response to complaints about the sale of laughing gas-filled balloons to visitors and tourists.
Approximately 100 policemen and consumer protection officials conducted the raid, seizing numerous gas cylinders and gas-filled balloons at five beer bars located in the heart of Chiang Mai. The presence of many foreign visitors was noted at the venues during the operation.
Deputy investigative chief Pol Lt Col Sathitchai Nitayawan, from the Muang Chiang Mai police station, stated that the police were in the process of identifying the type of gas contained in the seized cylinders and balloons before considering any charges.
Prior to the raid, the police had received reports alleging that nitrous oxide, typically found in whipped cream chargers and airbags, was being sold in balloons to customers at these bars. According to Pol Lt Col Sathitchai, it was reportedly priced at 50 baht for a small balloon and 100 baht for a larger one.
Pharmacist Manorom Sinthop-achakul, from the Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office, warned that nitrous oxide inhalation can cause intoxication, and excessive and frequent abuse could pose risks to the respiratory system, liver, and kidneys, potentially resulting in fatal consequences.
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