Phuket –
Officials have shut down a Russian-operated bar accused of running without a license, staying open past legal hours, and illegally selling shisha. Two suspects were arrested and a large quantity of contraband was seized.
Phuket Deputy Governor Rungreung Thimabutr told the Phuket Express about the results of the raid on Safari Lounge Bar, located on Bandon–Cherng Talay Road in Thalang District. The operation followed a tip-off from concerned citizens that the venue was operating unlawfully in a busy commercial area.
Around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday (February 15th), a special task force led by provincial officials inspected the bar. They found it functioning as a full entertainment venue, with food and alcohol sales, a DJ providing music, and numerous foreign tourists inside. Several groups were seen smoking shisha pipes, which are illegal in Thailand.
Authorities identified Mr. Kamil, a Russian national, as the person managing the establishment. Some staff members were also found to be migrant workers from Myanmar without proper work permits. Officers confiscated shisha equipment, related substances, and cash before detaining two suspects.
The Russian suspect faces multiple charges, including:
- Possession and sale of prohibited shisha products under customs and consumer protection laws.
- Operating an entertainment venue without a license and beyond permitted hours.
- Selling alcohol during restricted hours.
- Working without a permit and employing foreign workers illegally.
The Myanmar suspect was charged with failing to register employment details with authorities as required by law.
Both suspects, along with the seized evidence, were handed over to police investigators for prosecution. Officials explained that the crackdown reflects Phuket’s commitment to enforcing laws on nightlife venues, foreign labor, and consumer protection, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.
