Phuket officials raid unlicensed late-night venue
2026-02-28 - 07:03
PHUKET — 28 February 2026, Officials in Phuket raided an entertainment venue in Muang district overnight after complaints that foreign nationals were hosting drug-fuelled parties, authorities said. The operation took place between 27 and 28 February 2026 in Muang district under the direction of district chief Pairoj Srilamul. The team was led by Akara Suwattikul, head of the district administrative group, and Thiti Bunyastian, assistant district chief for security affairs, along with members of the Volunteer Defence Corps, Company 1, Muang Phuket. Officials inspected a venue located near the local slaughterhouse intersection in Talat Nuea subdistrict following reports of gatherings involving narcotics use. During the inspection, officers arrested a 30-year-old Thai man identified as Koby, who identified himself as the venue manager. Authorities requested to see the establishment’s operating licence but were told none was available. The venue was unable to produce any relevant documentation for inspection. Officers seized 12 items as evidence and charged the suspect with operating a service establishment — defined as a commercial venue providing food and alcohol with live music or other entertainment and closing after 24:00 — without a licence, in violation of the Entertainment Places Act B.E. 2509 (1966) and its amendments. He was also charged with selling alcoholic beverages during prohibited hours under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008), Section 16 and Section 28 in conjunction with Section 39, and in accordance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee’s notification dated 1 December 2025 on prohibited sales hours. The suspect and seized items were handed over to investigators at Phuket City Police Station for legal proceedings. District officials said they would continue to strictly inspect entertainment venues in the area, particularly regarding closing times and alcohol sales restrictions, to maintain public order and prevent social problems.