Phuket authorities have raided five cannabis shops in Muang district, arresting five people and seizing more than six kilograms of dried cannabis flower, along with a large quantity of pre-rolled products.

The operation on 19 July 2026 involved provincial administration officers, police and public health officials. Authorities said suspected offences included selling or processing controlled herbs without permission, trading while a licence was suspended, and employing foreign workers in prohibited roles.

Five shops checked in Muang district

The inspection team was led by Pol Lt Col Khettharat Chansilp, Phuket deputy governor and acting security adviser at the Interior Ministry's Office of the Permanent Secretary.

Also present were Rear Admiral Prapan Srisuwipha, deputy director of Internal Security Operations Command Phuket on the military side; Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, commander of Phuket Provincial Police; and Siwat Rawangkun, Muang Phuket district chief acting as Phuket provincial clerk.

Officials searched five cannabis retail premises in Muang district and found several people believed to be linked to offences under relevant legislation, including the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act 1999.

They also cited suspected violations of Thailand's foreign-worker employment laws. No details were released on the nationalities of the workers or the individual roles allegedly involved.

Cannabis products sent for testing

The seized items included dried cannabis flowers, pre-rolled cannabis products, digital scales and several suspicious objects. All will be sent for scientific examination before further action is taken.

Those involved were handed to investigators at Muang Phuket Police Station for legal proceedings.

For foreign residents and visitors, the raids underline that cannabis outlets operating openly are not necessarily properly licensed. Anyone buying cannabis should be aware that Phuket is increasing enforcement against businesses whose permits have expired or been suspended, while staff at such premises may also be subject to employment checks.

The action is directed at operators and workers rather than tourists or customers, but visitors should take care when choosing where to buy regulated herbal products and should follow Thai rules on their use.

More inspections planned

Siwat said authorities had identified 12 cannabis businesses in the area whose licences had been suspended. A further 533 establishments had failed to renew their licences.

Phuket will progressively inspect those premises and take legal action strictly where required, he said.

He stressed that the operation was an exercise of official legal powers and that anyone detained or charged remains an accused person, presumed innocent unless and until a final court ruling is made.

The province will continue coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure businesses meet legal standards, Siwat added, with the stated aim of improving safety and confidence among residents and tourists.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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20 July 2026

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