Authorities have ordered the closure of a well-known karaoke bar in Chiang Mai for overcharging Malaysian tourists and operating illegally.
Police interrogate employees of Pink Lady karaoke bar in Chiang Mai. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)
Chiang Mai governor Suriya Prasartbandit on Sunday ordered police to take drastic action against the Pink Lady karaoke bar in tambon Chang Khlan in Muang district following a complaint that the nightspot had allegedly overcharged a group of Malaysian tourists visiting the venue, said Ubonrat Khongkrapan, a public relations official at the provincial hall office.
The group of eight Malaysian tourists told police they visited the karaoke bar at about 7am on Saturday. They ordered snacks and drinks and young waitresses were sent to entertain them by singing songs. After four hours they were asked to foot a bill of almost 120,000 baht, which they claimed was excessive.
The complaint prompted police to inspect the bar where they found evidence to prove staff had charged the eight Malaysian tourists 114,080 baht. The officers also found the bar was operating illegally. The management of the bar later agreed to return some of the money to the tourists.
Police authorities on Sunday ordered the closure of the bar and took action against them for illegally operation.
Chiang Mai police chief Veerayuth Prasopchokchai said the Pink Lady management had agreed to return 60,000 baht to the tourists. The remaining amount covered drinks and services, they claimed.
Pol Col Veerayuth said he ordered police investigators to take legal action against the operator for operating the bar without permission. The operator will be liable to a fine of 60,000 baht and/or a jail term of one year, he said.
He threatened to get tough with other nightspots overcharging tourists or operating illegally in the northern province.
The Malaysian tourists, first-time visitors to the province, said they were satisfied with the police action and would return, according to a source.
Samples of bills seized from the karaoke bar in Chiang Mai accused of overcharging tourists. (Photo by Cheewin Sattha)