Police Raid Illegal Liquor Operation in Chon Buri

Police and excise officials have raided a large-scale illegal liquor production site in Chon Buri, seizing significant quantities of illicit alcohol and equipment. The operation, carried out at 15:30 on 19 March 2026, uncovered a two-storey house in Nong Khang Khok subdistrict that had been converted into a distillation facility. Authorities reported strong odours and wastewater discharge affecting nearby residents.

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The raid was led by Pol Lt Col Samai Khansuwan, along with excise officer Piyawat Wannasai, district officials and local leaders. Inside the property, officers found three distillation machines, fermentation tanks using sugar and yeast, and a production process that took around 14 days before yielding 30-degree white spirits. The owner, a 63-year-old woman named Khanittha, admitted ownership and employed one Lao worker.

Officials seized 72 bottles of herbal liquor (300 ml), 32 bottles (700 ml), 22 containers of 30-litre white spirits, and 11 containers of 5 litres. Charges include producing alcohol without permission, carrying penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 baht. Additional charges for unauthorised sales carry fines of up to 50,000 baht.

Local authorities said the raid followed repeated complaints from residents about strong smells and wastewater being discharged into a public canal. Village and district officials had previously attempted inspections, but the property owner refused to grant access. The latest operation confirmed the site was actively producing and storing large quantities of alcohol for distribution.

ThaiRath reported that excise officials stated that unprocessed fermented liquid is not legally classified as alcohol and may be repurposed as bio-fermented solution for other uses. However, possession of distillation equipment and finished alcohol without a licence constitutes a direct violation of the Excise Act. All seized items and the suspect have been handed over to Mueang Chon Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thairath 21 Mar 2026

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