Phuket —
Between January 22nd and 28th, 2025, Phuket Provincial Police launched a major crime suppression operation to ensure public safety before the upcoming provincial administrative elections on February 1st.
The operation, involving police, military, and local authorities, led to the arrest of 209 individuals across 197 cases.
Authorities seized illegal drugs, weapons, and other contraband, including 33,467 methamphetamine pills, 5 kilograms of heroin, and multiple firearms. Arrests included 81 drug offenders, 35 immigration violators, and 19 foreign nationals.
Confiscated assets included a van worth 1 million baht, cash, and gold jewelry. Police have vowed to maintain strict law enforcement to ensure a smooth and secure election process.
The Phuket Express notes that the provincial elections also bring an alcohol sales ban, per Thai election law, from 6:00 PM on the 31st to 6:00 PM on February 1st.
