Illegal hookah shop shut down in Phuket
Authorities seized 32 hookah sets from a tourist-oriented shop in Muang district and arrested its manager.
Authorities have seized 32 illegal hookah sets from a tourist-oriented shop in Muang district, Phuket, and arrested the person who identified themself as the manager.
A special operations team from the Muang Phuket district office and members of the Muang Phuket District Volunteer Defence Corps raided the premises on Ka Road in Talat Yai at about 8.30pm on Monday. The operation followed a complaint that the shop was selling hookah products to tourists.
An undercover officer made a purchase before officials entered the premises. They also seized related equipment, authorities said.
Six Myanmar nationals were working at the shop, according to authorities. They were allegedly working outside the scope of their work permits and had not reported a change of employer.
The manager faces charges including possession or sale of goods linked to customs offences, the illegal sale and offering for sale of hookah products and e-cigarettes, and selling alcohol without a licence. Authorities also cited violations involving the employment and registration of foreign workers.
The suspect and seized items were handed to investigators at Chalong police station for legal proceedings.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Phuket governor Chotinarin Kerdsom, deputy governor Pol Lt-Col Khetrat Chansilp and Muang Phuket district chief Sivach Rawanakun. Phuket authorities said inspections of entertainment venues would continue as part of a government campaign against illegal activities and efforts to strengthen tourist safety standards.
