PHUKET, THAILAND – Police in Cherng Talay arrested a 52-year-old Thai man in a beach bar at Bang Tao Beach over alleged unlicensed cannabis sales, then detained a Nigerian national accused of staying in the country illegally.
Arrest in beach bar at Bang Tao Beach
Investigators from the Cherng Talay Police reported that officers detained Chalerm “Lerm” Plongcharoen (52) inside the Ko Leng Bar at Bang Tao Beach. The police statement did not specify the exact time or date of the arrest.
According to the report, officers carried out the operation directly at the beachfront venue. No information was given on whether other people at the bar were questioned or detained.
What officers seized
During the raid, police said they confiscated 56 grams of cannabis flowers and 79 pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes that were already prepared for smoking. They also seized rolling papers, small plastic bags measuring 7×13 cm, a grinder and a digital scale.
Officers further collected a QR-code payment slip bearing the name of the suspect. The items were listed as evidence in the case file, alongside the 56 grams of cannabis and the pre-rolled joints.
Allegation: sales without licence
Investigators accused Chalerm of selling a controlled substance, specifically marijuana, without the required authorisation. The report described the case as an alleged violation of rules governing the sale of cannabis products.
Police did not say whether he was working in or on behalf of a licensed cannabis business. No additional licensing details or information on the ownership of the Ko Leng Bar were provided.
Where the suspect was taken
According to officers, Chalerm was registered at an address in Mai Khao in northern Phuket. After his arrest at Bang Tao Beach, he was transferred to Cherng Talay Police Station.
There, police said they initiated further legal proceedings. No information was released on possible court dates or bail conditions.
Second arrest after tip-off on foreign crime
In a separate case, officers at Bang Tao Beach detained a 30-year-old Nigerian man after receiving a tip that he was allegedly selling drugs to tourists. Police said the arrest formed part of a focused operation against illegal activities by foreigners in tourist zones.
The campaign ran from 7 to 12 March, according to the Cherng Talay Police report issued on 13 March. The Nigerian national was apprehended within this timeframe as part of the broader enforcement drive.
Attempted escape and immigration check
When officers moved in, the man allegedly tried to flee the scene. Police said two teams pursued him, encircled him after a short chase and took him into custody.
Officers identified him as Obi Somadina Emmanuel (30). They stated that an immigration status check found he had entered Thailand without permission and was staying in the kingdom illegally.
No drug charge yet, investigations ongoing
In their statement on the arrest, police did not report any specific drug finds. They also did not announce any narcotics charges against Emmanuel.
The official allegation remained a violation of immigration and residence laws. Police noted that the investigation had originally been triggered by accusations he had supplied tourists with drugs, but that only the immigration offence was formally cited at this stage.
Legal grey zones in a holiday hotspot
The two cases highlighted how quickly grey areas could emerge between legal cannabis, illicit trade and police raids in a popular holiday destination. They also underscored the active role of Cherng Talay Police in monitoring beach bars and entertainment zones.
Local debate continued over how Phuket should handle cannabis controls in tourist areas. Some voices questioned whether tougher crackdowns in beach bars were needed, or whether clearer rules and more transparent licences for cannabis sales would be a better approach.