PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities in Muang district raided an entertainment venue overnight on suspicion of foreigner-led drug parties, arresting a 30-year-old Thai manager for alleged licensing and alcohol law violations.
Einsatz in der Nacht
Officials carried out the raid in Muang district between 27 and 28 February 2026 following complaints that foreign visitors had been organizing parties involving drug use at the venue. The operation took place in the Talat Nuea subdistrict near the junction by the local slaughterhouse.
According to the authorities, the inspection targeted an entertainment establishment suspected of hosting gatherings that violated regulations on nightlife operations. The focus of the operation was to verify the venue’s legal status and compliance with relevant entertainment and alcohol laws.
Behörden koordinieren Vorgehen
The district office stated that overall responsibility for the inspection lay with District Chief Pairoj Srilamul, who oversaw supervision of entertainment businesses in the area. On site, the operational team was led by Akara Suwattikul, head of the district administrative group.
He was joined by Thiti Bunyastian, the deputy district chief for security affairs, as well as members of the Volunteer Defence Corps, Company 1, Muang Phuket. Together they coordinated the nighttime raid and subsequent checks on the venue’s documentation.
Festnahme des Lokalmanagers
At the establishment, officers encountered a 30-year-old Thai national who identified himself as the manager under the name Koby and presented himself to officials as the person responsible for the business. When authorities requested the required operating license, those in charge stated that no license existed for the venue.
They also said they were unable to present any other documentation related to the operation of the establishment. This admission formed the basis for immediate legal action at the scene.
Vorwürfe und beschlagnahmte Beweise
According to officials, the team seized 12 pieces of evidence during the inspection. The suspect was accused of operating a service establishment without a license, an offense prohibited under the Entertainment Places Act B.E. 2509 (1966) and its amendments.
In addition, he was alleged to have sold alcoholic beverages outside the permitted hours, in violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008), specifically Sections 16 and 28 in conjunction with 39, and the related notification of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee dated 1 December 2025. These alleged offenses were added to the charges against the manager.
Weitere Schritte der Ermittler
The suspect and the seized items were handed over to investigators at Phuket City Police Station for further legal proceedings. Officers were expected to continue gathering evidence under the applicable entertainment and alcohol control laws.
District representatives emphasized that entertainment venues in the region would face continued strict inspections. They said future checks would focus particularly on closing times and alcohol sales hours to maintain public order and prevent social problems.