All seized hookahs and detainees were transferred to the Chalong station after a raid on an establishment on Kra…

On August 24, 2026, in Phuket, representatives of the district administration, together with local law enforcement agencies, conducted a control raid on an establishment on Kra Street (in the Chalong district). The purpose of the inspection was to combat the illegal sale of hookahs, electronic cigarettes and the sale of alcoholic beverages without the necessary permits.

During the test purchase, employees seized 32 sets of hookahs and related equipment. In addition, an inspection of the premises revealed six Myanmar nationals who worked at the facility.

According to preliminary information, their labor activity did not correspond to the information in the permits and they did not notify the competent authorities about the change of employer. Administration and police officers brought a number of charges against the owner and employees of the establishment: illegal sale of hookahs and electronic cigarettes, violation of the rules for hiring foreign workers, as well as the sale of alcoholic beverages without proper permits.

All seized items, documentation and detainees were handed over to the Chalong Police Station for further verification and legal assessment of the actions of the participants in the incident. Representatives of the local administration involved in the raid confirmed the transfer of materials and people to the station and noted that the investigation will continue in accordance with the current legislation of Thailand.

Information about the raid and the progress of the seizure is confirmed by local publications and news portals covering the incidents in Phuket; Sources include publications on thethaiger.com and Thairath.co.th that regularly cover similar raids on public safety and permitting requirements for establishments targeting tourists. Reports emphasize that such inspections are aimed at curbing the illegal trade in tobacco products and complying with labor laws in the tourist area.

Current status: According to information from law enforcement agencies, all detainees have been transferred to the Chalong Police Station; The materials of the seizure (32 sets of hookahs and equipment) are also found as material evidence in the criminal case. Specific legal articles and further procedural measures (criminal proceedings, administrative fines, deportation or other sanctions) will be determined by the police and prosecutorial authorities based on the results of the investigation and verification of documents.

Next steps: Chalong Local Police will continue to investigate the circumstances of the sale and import of the seized equipment, the legal employment status of the identified foreign nationals, and whether the establishment has the necessary permits to sell tobacco and alcohol products. The official results of the check and possible charges will be announced by police representatives as the investigation progresses.