Phuket Authorities Crack Down on Ketamine Sales in Entertainment Venue

Phuket –
Provincial officials in Phuket launched a late-night operation to combat narcotics and enforce social order, raiding an entertainment venue in Soi Phun Phol, Muang City, where ketamine was allegedly being sold to tourists and alcohol served beyond legal hours.

The operation, led by special administrative task forces. Officers arrested one male suspect with five packets of ketamine weighing approximately 3.17 grams. He was charged with possession and sale of a Category 2 narcotic without authorization.

Inside the premises, officials found live music and karaoke rooms. Undercover agents confirmed drug sales, while PR staff were seen entertaining customers — activities that classify the venue as a service establishment. The manager was arrested for operating without a license, selling alcohol after hours, and offering discounted drinks in violation of the Alcohol Control Act (2008).

Authorities tested 76 employees for narcotics. Six tested positive — three for methamphetamine, two for ketamine, and one for both substances. All six agreed to enter rehabilitation under the Narcotics Code (2021).

Officials confirmed that two suspects were taken into custody along with seized evidence, and cases have been handed over to Phuket City Police for prosecution. The provincial administration emphasized that the crackdown aligns with government and Interior Ministry policy to maintain public safety, suppress influential figures, and ensure social order without leniency.

The mission concluded at noon on December 26, 2025, with authorities reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding residents and tourists while reinforcing Phuket’s reputation as a safe destination.

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Goong Nang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for more than eight years and has worked with The Pattaya News for more than six years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.