BANGKOK, July 12 (TNA) – Nine people were arrested for selling nitrous oxide or laughing gas to foreign tourists on Khao San Road.
The police acted on a tip-off after midnight on Friday. They found balloons filled with laughing gas were sold along Khao San Road, the backpacker haven where guest houses and entertainment places are located.
Nine vendors were arrested and charged with selling an unregistered drug without permission.
Secretary-general of the Food and Drug Administration, Thares Karasnairaviwong said that nitrous oxide is used for medical purposes as an anesthetic in surgeries or to reduce pain in dental extractions.
It is illegally sold at entertainment venues to induce a sense of euphoria. Excessive inhalation could cause nausea and loss of consciousness.
Sellers of laughing gas face a maximum fine of 10,000 baht and a maximum of five years in prison. (TNA)
