Phuket—
Provincial officials in Phuket launched a late-night operation to enforce social order, targeting an establishment in Cherng Talay in Thalang , suspected of operating as an unlicensed entertainment venue and illegally offering hookah services.
The raid, conducted at 10:30 p.m., on Monday (August 24th) Siwatch Rawangkul, Acting Provincial Clerk, and Wilailak Rueangphon, Thalang District Chief. Officials, including Provincial Defense Chief Akkara Suwattikul and his team, discovered evidence of illegal hookah sales and services. One suspect was arrested, and 18 items were seized as evidence. The confiscated materials included approximately 3,645 grams of hookah tobacco, 15 hookah sets, and other related equipment.
The suspect faces charges under the Customs Act (2017) for possession and distribution of prohibited goods, as well as violations of the Ministry of Commerce’s ban on hookah and electronic hookah imports. Additional charges were filed under the Consumer Protection Act (1979) for selling or offering prohibited products such as electronic hookahs and e-cigarettes.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect and all seized items were handed over to Cherng Talay Police Station for further legal proceedings. Officials stated that the suspect’s personal details would not be disclosed, in compliance with Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
