The operation began from 11:30pm, with officials led by Kathu Deputy District Chief for Security Affairs Jirawat Namat and Deputy District Chief for Prevention Affairs Anurak Poolsak, together with members of the Kathu District Volunteer Defence Corps (OIrSor).
All suspects were taken to Patong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Three establishments on Rat U-Thit 200 Pi Rd in Patong were found to be operating as entertainment venues without permission.
The first was Hippie House Bar and Restaurant, where a man identifying himself as the owner was detained. Officials allege the venue was operating as an unlicensed entertainment venue and selling alcoholic beverages without the required licence.
The second was Funny Bar and Restaurant. The operator, who identified himself as the owner, was accused of operating an entertainment venue without authorisation.
The third was Siri Sasi Bar and Restaurant. A woman identifying herself as the owner was accused of the same offence.
Officials confirmed that all three cases have been forwarded to Patong Police for prosecution in accordance with the Entertainment Venue Act and related regulations.
The arrests follow a separate inspection carried out two days earlier, on Tuesday (Jan 27), after complaints were lodged through the Damrongtham Centre regarding noise disturbances on Bangla Rd.
That inspection, conducted from 10pm onwards, involved the same Kathu District administrative team working in coordination with officers from Patong Police Station. The target of the inspection was Soho Restaurant & Lounge.
Officials determined that the venue falls under the definition of an entertainment venue under Section 3(4) of the Entertainment Venue Act. At the time of inspection, the establishment had not yet opened for business and was still in the process of interior decoration and sound system testing.
However, authorities noted that testing the sound system at that time had the potential to cause disturbance to nearby residents and businesses.
As a result, Kathu District officials issued a verbal warning instructing the business operator to cease any activities that could cause a nuisance. A written order was also issued formally prohibiting the venue from opening for service until proper authorisation is obtained from the registrar.
Officials warned that failure to comply with the order would result in legal action.
Kathu District Office confirmed that inspections of entertainment venues will continue as part of ongoing efforts to enforce licensing laws, maintain public order, and address complaints from residents and the public.