One preliminary positive result in Phuket Town karaoke inspections
Officials screened 96 employees and customers at two Soi Phunphon karaoke venues, with one employee recording a positive preliminary result.
One employee recorded a positive preliminary drug-screening result during inspections of two karaoke venues in Soi Phunphon, Phuket Town, late on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, according to a Mueang Phuket District Office report.
The operation began at 11.30pm and screened 96 employees and customers. All 31 employees screened at Time Shop tested negative, while one employee was among 65 employees and customers screened at Lemongrass Shop and returned a positive preliminary result.
Officials documented the case and began the process of further verification and any subsequent legal action. The preliminary result does not conclusively establish drug use.
Provincial and district administrative officers conducted the inspections under the direction of Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom. Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawae and Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul oversaw the operation, the report said.
Officials checked compliance with rules covering customers’ ages and operating hours, as well as measures to prevent drugs, weapons and other illegal activity. They also checked for possible human trafficking and urged venue operators to supervise employees and customers and comply with regulations.
Separately, Phuket is preparing a pilot project targeting 30 workplaces for drug-free workplace measures, with 10 establishments each from Mueang Phuket, Thalang and Kathu districts. A meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on 21 October discussed screening, confirmatory testing, medical referrals, follow-up support and a 90-day operational plan.
