UPDATE: Phuket authorities raid hookah venues in Cherng Talay and Phuket Town
Raids in Cherng Talay and Phuket Town led to two arrests and the seizure of about 3,645 grammes of hookah tobacco, 47 hookah sets and related equipment; the Cherng Talay venue was also suspected of operating as an unlicensed entertainment venue.
Authorities in Phuket raided establishments in Cherng Talay and Phuket Town over alleged illegal hookah sales and services, arresting two people and seizing about 3,645 grammes of hookah tobacco, 47 hookah sets and related equipment. The raids were reported on 25 August 2026. A report by The Phuket Express said the Cherng Talay establishment was also suspected of operating as an unlicensed entertainment venue.
At about 10.30pm on Monday, 24 August, a special operations unit from the Phuket Provincial Administration raided an establishment in Cherng Talay, Thalang, following a complaint about illegal hookah sales and services. Officers found about 3,645 grammes of hookah tobacco and 15 sets of hookah smoking equipment, and arrested one person. The seized items were handed to investigators at Cherng Talay Police Station.
A separate operation took place at about 8.30pm at an establishment on Kra Rd in Phuket Town. Undercover officers made a purchase before identifying themselves and searching the premises. Authorities arrested the person posing as the shop manager and seized 32 hookah sets and related equipment.
Further investigation found six Myanmar nationals working at the establishment. Authorities alleged that they were working in occupations different from those authorised, had failed to report changes of employer and were involved in selling alcohol without an Excise Department licence. Legal action was initiated over the alleged hookah offences, Customs Act violations, foreign-worker reporting and work-permit offences, and the alleged unlicensed sale of alcohol. The suspects and evidence were handed to Phuket City Police Station for further proceedings.
Authorities cited regulations prohibiting the import, sale and provision of hookahs, electronic hookahs, e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco and related liquids. An order issued by the Committee on the Safety of Goods and Services on 8 July 2024 prohibits the production for sale, sale or provision of services involving the products. Authorities said establishments may face legal action not only for selling hookahs but also for providing them for customers to use on the premises.
The Thai Customs Department has stated that violations can carry a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a fine of up to B600,000, or both.
