Bangkok’s nightlife is legendary, drawing partygoers from across the globe. But behind the flashing lights and pounding bass lies an often-overlooked danger: fentanyl-laced drugs. To understand the risks and how to party smarter, we spoke with Juno, a veteran raver and festival organizer in Bangkok, who’s seen it all—from the wild highs to the sobering lows. Here’s their take on why testing your substances is crucial for surviving and thriving in Bangkok’s electric scene.
The Interview
Q: Juno, what makes Bangkok’s rave and festival scene so unique?
Juno:
Bangkok is chaos in the best way. You’ve got everything—warehouse raves, rooftop parties, and massive festivals like 808 and Wonderfruit. What makes it special is the mix of locals and international crowds. It’s a melting pot, and the energy is unmatched. But with that comes unpredictability, especially when it comes to drugs.
Q: What do you mean by “unpredictability”?
Juno:
Drugs here can pass through so many hands before they reach the user. You might think you’re buying MDMA or “premium” coke, but it’s cut with who-knows-what by the time it gets to you. The scariest part? Fentanyl is creeping into the scene. A tiny amount—like the size of a sesame seed—can kill. People don’t realize how serious it is.
Q: Have you seen fentanyl affect Bangkok’s party scene directly?
Juno:
Not directly or personally yet. However, a couple of years ago, it wasn’t even on our radar and was something you only heard about overseas really. Now, I hear whispers at festivals of people wondering “is it here yet?”, “do you know if it’s made its way to Asia?”. Just last year, a guy passed out at an afterparty. His friends thought he’d had too much MDMA, but later it came out the pills were laced with something else. It wasn’t tested by anything but he claimed that’s never happened before. He was lucky to survive. That shook a lot of us. It could have been fentanyl, could have been something else, but if they had tested it first, they could have been sure.
Q: What’s your advice to someone partying in Bangkok for the first time?
Juno:
First, know your limits—Bangkok’s heat and humidity hit differently. Second, don’t trust anything you haven’t tested. Fentanyl test strips are a lifesaver, literally. I saw recently there’s some new harm reduction companies online popping up finally here in Bangkok, like you guys, Happy Test Shop. Testing takes two minutes. If the strip shows one line, it’s got fentanyl. Two lines? You’re clear. But even then, start slow. You never know what else might be in it.
Q: What’s stopping more people from testing their substances?
Juno:
There’s this stigma, like testing makes you a “buzzkill.” It’s ridiculous. Testing is about staying alive so you can party another day. I’ve started bringing strips to festivals and sharing them with my crew. Once people see how easy it is, they’re hooked—not on the drugs, but on being smart.
Q: As a festival organizer, how do you approach harm reduction?
Juno:
We’re trying to normalize conversations about safety, because other than cannabis, everything is still not legal, but still everywhere. At festivals like Wonderfruit, you’ll see workshops on mindfulness or sustainability, but harm reduction? Not as much. That’s changing. We’re working on creating chill-out zones where people can hydrate, rest, and get non-judgmental advice about testing. The biggest festivals in the world have these booths at festivals, and they save lives, so why not here? It’s about keeping the vibe alive without ignoring the risks.
Q: Any tips for spotting risky substances?
Juno:
If something looks off—clumpy powder, odd-colored pills—don’t risk it. But honestly, fentanyl is invisible. You can’t see it or taste it. That’s why testing is non-negotiable. And always be cautious with “pressed pills.” They’re often counterfeit.
Q: Any wild trivia about Bangkok’s party scene you’d like to share?
Juno:
Here’s one: Did you know Khao San Road used to be Bangkok’s backpacker drug hub? It’s cleaned up a lot, but stories from the ’90s about dodgy “happy shakes” are legendary. Now, the scene has shifted to Sukhumvit and underground warehouse parties. The crowd is more sophisticated and Hi-So, but the risks are still there, especially because the cost is usually a lot higher and people are spending more.
Q: Final thoughts for partygoers heading to 808 Festival or Neon Countdown?
Juno:
These festivals are incredible—world-class DJs, insane visuals, the best vibes. But don’t let one bad decision ruin it. Test your substances before you go. Stay with your crew, drink water, and pace yourself. And remember: partying smart doesn’t make you boring. It makes you legendary.
