Phuket Raids Target Suspended Cannabis Shops

A joint task force has raided cannabis shops in Phuket’s Thalang and Mueang Phuket districts after finding businesses allegedly continued selling cannabis despite having their licences suspended. Officials detained suspects and seized goods worth more than THB500,000 before transferring both the suspects and the evidence to local investigators for legal action.

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The operation was led by Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi, alongside Ronnarong Thipsiri, deputy director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Pol Sub-Lt Singkham Khamyod, director of the Investigation and Legal Affairs Bureau. Officers from the bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division worked with the Phuket Provincial Administration Office, Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, Thalang District Office and Thalang District Public Health Office.

Authorities said inspections found some cannabis retailers had remained open and continued selling cannabis to local customers and tourists despite official suspension orders. Following an investigation and the collection of evidence, officers carried out simultaneous searches at targeted premises in Thalang and Mueang Phuket.

Officials reported that the Thalang shop was still operating and selling cannabis when officers arrived. A second team made arrests at a business in Mueang Phuket, where investigators found what they described as the same pattern of alleged offending.

The suspects were initially charged under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act 1999 with conducting research into, exporting, selling or processing a controlled herb for commercial purposes without a licence from the licensing authority, under Section 46 in conjunction with Sections 52 and 78. The offence carries a maximum penalty of one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to THB20,000, or both.

Additional charges were filed under the Food Act 1979 for allegedly breaching Section 6(10) relating to food labelling requirements. That offence carries a maximum fine of THB30,000.

Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir said the Ministry of Interior placed strong emphasis on strict enforcement against businesses that deliberately ignored official orders or sought commercial gain without regard for the law or public safety. He said the operation demonstrated that authorities would not allow tourist areas to be used for unlawful activities and would take firm action against offenders without exception.

The Nation reported that The Department of Provincial Administration said it would continue working with relevant agencies to increase inspections and enforcement against cannabis retailers across Thailand. Officials said the aim is to ensure compliance with legal requirements, strengthen public confidence in safety measures and maintain order in tourist destinations and public spaces.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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13 July 2026