Acting on orders from Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, teams of officers moved in at about 12:30am to enforce social-order regulations and address ongoing complaints about illicit drug sales and after-hours trading.
In Patong, Kathu District officials, assisted by Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor) personnel, inspected two venues on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd.
At Forty Four K Bar, officers arrested the operator, identified by officials only as ‘Mr A’, for operating an entertainment venue without permission and selling alcohol without a licence.
At Tropicana Bar, located at the same address, the operator, identified only as ‘Ms B’, was arrested for operating an entertainment venue without a permit. Both cases were handed over to Patong Police for further legal action.
In a separate operation, officials from the Phuket branch of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) targeted an establishment in the Poonphol area in Phuket Town, following reports the venue was selling Category 2 narcotics, remaining open beyond legal hours and operating without a licence.
During the inspection, at an address described only as “Soi Poonphol“, officers arrested one male suspect and seized five small bags of ketamine weighing approximately 3.17 grammes. He was charged with possession and sale of a Category 2 controlled substance.
Undercover officers also confirmed that the venue was operating as an entertainment establishment with live music and karaoke rooms despite lacking a licence. The manager was arrested and charged with operating without permission, selling alcohol beyond legal hours and offering discounted alcohol promotions in violation of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
Authorities conducted drug tests on 76 staff members inside the venue, with six testing positive – three for methamphetamine, two for ketamine and one for both substances. All six agreed to enter rehabilitation under the Narcotics Control Act.
In total, two suspects were formally charged in connection with the Phuket Town raid, with seized evidence transferred to Phuket City Police for prosecution.
Provincial officials said the operation formed part of an ongoing crackdown to maintain social order, combat narcotics activity and reinforce safety for residents and tourists.