Picture courtesy of Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket

 

Phuket police have arrested a Russian national, Maksim Shalygin, during a raid in Cherng Talay, finding hundreds of illegal hookah products. Conducted by the Region 8 Special Operations Unit, the operation took place at a rented room in the Choeng Thale subdistrict. Authorities discovered 361 items, including 296 packets of hookah tobacco and 65 pieces of equipment, suggesting Shalygin intended to sell them.

 

This incident follows increased efforts to curb the distribution of contraband hookah products in Phuket. Shalygin faces charges under Thai law, including smuggling and selling tobacco without tax stamps, possessing illegal goods, and selling prohibited products. The penalties could involve hefty fines and imprisonment.

 

The crackdown on illegal baraku activities has intensified, with recent raids targeting various locations. Notably, the Phuket Provincial Defence Office recently apprehended a man in the Kathu area for selling hookahs to students, seizing numerous related items. Additionally, customs officials in Songkhla recently confiscated smuggled goods worth over 4 million Thai baht.

 

Looking forward, the legal proceedings against Shalygin could set a precedent for future cases involving illegal tobacco and hookah products in Thailand. The outcome may influence enforcement strategies and amplify the focus on halting such activities. Authorities remain vigilant, aiming to maintain control over prohibited items entering the market. reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Russian man Maksim Shalygin arrested in Phuket for illegal hookah products.
• Charges involve smuggling, illegal possession, and sales without tax stamps.
• Case adds to ongoing crackdowns on contraband hookah activities in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-12-11

 

 

 

Russians again?

 

 

4 minutes ago, Hakuna Matata said:

Russians again?

Gotta find ways to fund their stay in Thailand...

If only the heading said ' hooker haven ' instead .

Ah well that's his scheme up in smoke ! 🙄

Hardly a crime of the century.  Yes, he is a bad boy, I get it. However,  I would like to know how he obtained 296 packets of hookah tobacco and 65 pieces of equipment. Someone was able to smuggle it in past  the vigilant Thai customs and border security. He's just  a low level nobody. Where are the criminals who smuggled this in and who are backing him?

They don,t mind if it exist in thailand but they want a share of the market.he can not keep it all to himself

Yet another heroic intervention by the RTP with accompanying photos and TV interviews. 

48 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Hardly a crime of the century.  Yes, he is a bad boy, I get it. However,  I would like to know how he obtained 296 packets of hookah tobacco and 65 pieces of equipment. Someone was able to smuggle it in past  the vigilant Thai customs and border security. He's just  a low level nobody. Where are the criminals who smuggled this in and who are backing him?

 

Possibly the BiB?  The Mrs has a "brother" from one of the border provinces who she gave a room and a job when he was sent to school in Bangkok and didn't have anywhere to live.  He's now a reasonably ranked officer and used to make his money from dope smugglers before it was made legal but now moved on to others things.  Took me on a tour of the routes the last time we visited.

finding hundreds of illegal hookah products

 

I bet this lot will take some selling.

I don't think hookah is illegal but smuggling and not paying income tax or VAT is.

Another Russian involved in illegal activity, quel surprise. Give ‘em an inch and they’ll take a mile. Bhuket plod will have to up their ante in dealing with them and their self belief in they can do whatever they please, legal or not.

5 hours ago, ronster said:

If only the heading said ' hooker haven ' instead .

Ah well that's his scheme up in smoke ! 🙄

Thailand is a hooker haven 🤷🏼

2 hours ago, JJ-Thailand said:

I don't think hookah is illegal but smuggling and not paying income tax or VAT is.

It is in Thailand has been for years now. 

Were they male or female hookahs? 

On 12/11/2025 at 2:36 AM, webfact said:

Russian man Maksim Shalygin arrested in Phuket for illegal hookah products.

 

Well his business has certainly gone up in smoke!

9 hours ago, khunJam said:

Were they male or female hookahs? 

A bit of both! 😂😂😂

Why this sudden Hookah Craze?

 

I don't get it.

Who smokes hookahs, these days?

 

The last time I recall seeing anyone smoking hookahs was around 1964, when I watched...

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

 

In this movie, there were two or three dirty old men, I mean unwashed old men, sitting around some hookah, puffing away.

Probably in Istanbul, or some place.

 

Is this supposed to be exciting or something?

 

 

16 hours ago, Hakuna Matata said:

Russians again?

 

 

You again?

Goulash!