Soldiers shut down unofficial Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island

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Soldiers shut down unofficial Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island

KOH PHANGAN: The unofficial Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island was shut down by local authorities in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The soldiers descended on Ban Tai Beach following a tip from locals that a beach party was being held. Eyewitnesses reported that there were hundreds of people partying on the beach when soldiers arrived.

Thairath described the holding of the beach party during the month of October “inappropriate”.

Illegal drugs
The local authorities found evidence of illegal selling and use of drugs. Soldiers confiscated 147 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as hippy crack, as well as a large amount of cannabis and other drug paraphernalia.

Soldiers later visited Haad Rin Beach, the venue of the original Full Moon Party. While not on the scale normally seen at a Full Moon Party, loud music was still playing and foreign tourists were seen eating and drinking.

Ceremony
Earlier this month, Koh Phangan district chief Kriekkrai Songthani announced that the event for October would be canceled on the resort island in the Gulf of Thailand. This to show respect during the cremation ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Local authorities had been ordered by the district to strictly adhere to the restrictions by closely monitoring all activities on the island. All entertainment activities would be be banned throughout the month but entertainment venues can sell drinks and food during the period.