Phuket
Deputy Interior Minister Polpree Suwannachawi (MoI-2) led a high-profile inspection in Cherng Talay, Thalang, targeting cannabis retailers and businesses suspected of operating under nominee arrangements.
Authorities inspected a cannabis outlet found to be selling multiple products, cannabis flowers, pre-rolled joints, and cannabis-infused food items, despite its license being suspended. The shop also failed to maintain customer records or provide medical certifications, both mandatory under regulations governing cannabis for medical use. Officials confirmed the case is under review for license revocation and possible prosecution.
Deputy Minister Polpree directed governors, district chiefs, and relevant agencies to conduct a province-wide survey of all cannabis establishments. Key enforcement priorities include:
- Ensuring licenses are valid and conditions strictly observed.
- Preventing cannabis from being mixed into food or sold outside medical purposes.
- Blocking attempts to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand via airports and other channels.
Phuket currently has 1,089 licensed cannabis businesses:
- Mueang Phuket: 503
- Kathu: 415
- Thalang: 171
All will be subject to inspection, with violators facing decisive legal action.
The inspection team also visited a hotel in Cherng Talay following reports of nominee structures and past disputes over beach land use. Preliminary shareholder checks revealed Thai nationals holding stakes in multiple companies, raising concerns of proxy ownership for foreign investors. The Interior Ministry ordered a full investigation into related companies, funding sources, and financial flows to determine whether nominee arrangements or disguised foreign business operations are involved.
Deputy Minister Polpree reaffirmed that the Interior Ministry will intensify nationwide enforcement against illegal cannabis use, nominee businesses, and other unlawful practices. He stated that the crackdown is to protect law-abiding entrepreneurs, uphold fairness, and safeguard Phuket’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
