Phuket –
Authorities in Phuket have intensified their crackdown on unlicensed cannabis businesses, raiding four shops in the city center and seizing products valued at more than 2.9 million baht. Five suspects were arrested during the coordinated operation.
The integrated task force, comprising provincial and district officials, the Phuket Public Health Office, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), and the Provincial Police Investigation Division, carried out simultaneous inspections across Muang District. The raids were ordered under the directive of Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom, who has instructed agencies to strictly enforce laws against operators lacking proper licenses or violating permit conditions.
- A cannabis shop in Karon
- Arrested: Thai male, 26
- Seized: Over 1.1 kg of dried cannabis flowers and 139 pre-rolled joints
- Charges: Selling controlled herbal products without authorization
- Additional arrest: Myanmar male, 29, charged with working illegally outside permitted rights
- A cannabis shop near the Juitui Intersection in Phuket Town
- Arrested: Thai male, 26
- Seized: 400 g of cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, digital scales, and 116 g of suspicious mushroom-like material (sent for lab testing)
- Charges: Selling or processing controlled herbal products without a license
- A cannabis shop in Karon
- Arrested: Thai female, 42
- Seized: 1.5 kg of dried cannabis flowers and 49 joints
- Charges: Selling controlled herbal products despite suspension of license
- A cannabis shop on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Old Town
- Arrested: Thai male, 25
- Seized: 3.11 kg of cannabis flowers and 426 finished cannabis products
- Charges: Operating a business while license was under suspension
All suspects and confiscated evidence have been handed over to local investigators for prosecution. Officials said that the crackdown is part of Phuket’s commitment to regulating cannabis strictly under Thai law, ensuring that only licensed operators comply with public health and safety standards.
