Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Entertainment venue operators in Phuket have formally petitioned provincial authorities to investigate allegations of officials demanding illicit payments from nightlife businesses, raising concerns about transparency and confidence in the tourism sector. The complaint was submitted on 5 January 2026, at the Phuket Provincial Hall, with operators warning that the issue could damage trust among investors and tourism stakeholders if left unaddressed.

The petition was led by Mr Apichet Poolsong, Deputy President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association, together with association members and representatives of entertainment venues in Phuket Town. Around 30 operators submitted a formal letter to the Phuket Governor via the Damrongdhama Centre, with Mr Monchai Saelao, Director of the Damrongdhama Centre of Phuket Province, receiving the complaint on behalf of the governor.

According to the letter, reports published by several local media outlets alleged that certain officials had called for or accepted benefits from entertainment venues. Operators stated that these reports had caused widespread anxiety among businesses across the province and undermined confidence in the fairness of regulatory enforcement. They urged the governor to urgently verify the facts to ensure transparency, fairness and reassurance for all parties involved in Phuket’s tourism industry.

Mr Apichet said the Patong Entertainment Business Association currently represents more than 400 venues, although only a portion of members attended the submission. He explained that the action aimed to reflect genuine hardship faced by operators and what they described as inappropriate conduct by some officials. He added that the Director of the Damrongdhama Centre had pledged to forward the matter to the governor and to ensure a strict investigation to protect businesses operating in compliance with the law.

One operator provided further details, stating that during the recent New Year holiday period, inspection teams visited entertainment venues in Patong, Kathu District and Phuket Town. The operator alleged that some individuals claiming to be part of “special task forces” conducted overlapping inspections. There were also claims of individuals impersonating state officials to solicit payments from shops and market stalls in the area.

The operator further alleged that payments were demanded on a monthly basis at both local and provincial levels. If aggregated across the province, the total amount was claimed to potentially reach millions of baht per month. Examples were also cited of uneven and improper enforcement of regulations, which operators said placed legitimate businesses at a disadvantage.

Matichon reported that Provincial authorities have not yet released findings but indicated that the complaint will be formally reviewed. The Damrongdhama Centre confirmed that the allegations would be submitted to the Phuket Governor for further consideration and investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Phuket nightlife operators filed a formal complaint on 5 January, seeking an investigation into alleged extortion by officials.

• The Patong Entertainment Business Association said the issue threatens business confidence and Phuket’s tourism image.

• Provincial authorities have promised to forward the complaint and conduct a thorough review.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-01-07

 

 

7 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Entertainment venue operators in Phuket have formally petitioned provincial authorities to investigate allegations of officials demanding illicit payments from nightlife businesses, raising concerns about transparency and confidence in the tourism sector.

I am also concerned about the transparency....now if you don't mind I'm off to rent a jet ski.

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Examples were also cited of uneven and improper enforcement of regulations, which operators said placed legitimate businesses at a disadvantage.

There we have it. Some adhere to the law, which costs money, others don't, which costs money in a different way.