Illegal shooting range raided in Patong nightlife crackdown

An illegal shooting range on Bangla Rd was among the violations uncovered during a Phuket crackdown in Patong last Thursday evening, Apr 30, officials said. The coordinated operation targeted key nightlife areas including Bangla Rd and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, with inspections focused on entertainment venues, restaurants and other businesses for licensing, foreign employment and drug prevention compliance.

Authorities said one air gun shooting range on Bangla Rd was operating without a permit.

A second shooting range was found non-compliant because it held only partial documentation and allegedly had unauthorised firearms, including some with serial numbers removed.

Firearms seized, four workers detained

Investigators also found the premises had not filed a required building construction permit application with Patong Municipality.

All firearms and ammunition discovered during the inspection were confiscated, officials said.

Four employees at the site were detained and later handed over to investigators at the Kathu District Office for legal proceedings.

Multi-agency campaign targets order and safety

The raid was part of a wider “social order” campaign led by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong, alongside Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee, Kathu District Chief Akrapol Suthirak Jitsupap, Patong Police, Tourist Police and other agencies.

The operation began with a coordinated deployment from the plaza in front of the Bangla Police Box.

Officials said the campaign is intended to strengthen safety and order in Patong’s busiest tourism zones amid concerns over illegal business activity.

Measures under the campaign include increased patrols, stricter inspections, expanded CCTV coverage in high-risk areas and infrastructure improvements to support tourism.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/shooting-range-raided-in-bangla-nightlife-checks-100102.php