Police checked bars in Thai 'Sin City' Pattaya for alcohol and drugs ahead of a Buddhist holiday in Thailand.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sirichat Nuthet, deputy superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, led more than 30 officers and volunteers to inspect the some of the notorious city's venues on October 15, two days before the end of Buddhist Lent.

The police boss said: 'The aim of the checks was to raise awareness, stop illegal drug use, and prevent the illegal employment of minors. No illegal activity was found during the inspections.'

Authorities also warned bar owners to comply with the alcohol ban, which will take effect on October 17. Violators may face up to six months in jail, fines up to 10,000 baht (232 GBP), or both.

Former fishing village Pattaya became popular with American troops on 'rest and relaxation' breaks in the 1960s when the U.S. military had bases in Thailand. In the ensuing years, the coastal resort spawned into a semi-barbarous sex-tourism hellscape.

Embarrassed officials have made progress in gentrifying the region with family tourism projects but a ravenous nightlife industry and corrupt police have hampered their efforts, with undesirables from all nations still attracted to the seedy city.

Wan Ok Phansa is the Thai Buddhist holiday marking the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent, or 'Vassa,' during which monks have traditionally stayed in their temples to meditate and study. The holiday is celebrated with offerings to monks, and various religious ceremonies across Thailand.

(1 GBP = 43.14 THB)