UPDATE: Phuket cannabis inspections lead to four licence revocations and seizure of 812 cigarette packs

Phuket authorities have taken legal action against an unnamed cannabis shop in Phuket Old Town after finding it selling cannabis despite its licence having been revoked. The Phuket Express reported that the wider inspection operation led the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office to order the revocation of four cannabis-shop licences.

Officials carried out the operation at about 8.30pm on 15 August 2026 following public complaints about illegal practices. The Phuket Express said six establishments across Phuket were inspected.

The operation was directed by Phuket Deputy Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp, who is also acting as security adviser to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul. The provincial administrative special operations team, known as Manee Kram, was led by Mueang Phuket District Deputy Chief for Security Affairs Apichart Chantawong and worked with district officials, the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, territorial defence volunteers and Phuket City District Police Unit 1.

The business name was not disclosed. Officials said it was found selling cannabis after its licence had been revoked for breaching relevant regulations and laws. The reports do not establish whether the Old Town shop was included among the four licences revoked in the operation.

The reported conduct may constitute an offence under Section 46 of the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act 1999, which covers the unauthorised sale of controlled herbs. Section 78 provides for up to one year in prison, a fine of up to B20,000, or both.

According to The Phuket Express, the violations behind the four revocations included allowing cannabis smoking on premises, submitting falsified reports and distributing illicit products. At one venue, officers seized hallucinogenic mushrooms and hashish, described in the report as a cannabis derivative with high THC content, and handed them to police for further legal action.

The Phuket News reported that the same approximately 8.30pm enforcement operation also included a raid at a shop in Baan Tha Ruea Mai, Moo 7, Ratsada. Authorities seized 812 packs of illegal cigarettes valued at more than B25,000 and took them to Phuket City Police Station, where they were handed to investigators for further legal proceedings. The report described the raid as part of the government's wider social-order enforcement campaign against illegal activities, including smuggling and tax evasion.

The Phuket Express separately reported that, at another shop in the operation which had previously been prosecuted for selling cannabis without a licence, officials found contraband cigarettes and e-cigarettes being sold illegally. The Kathu district administration detained the foreign vendor and the seized goods for prosecution. The available reports do not establish whether this shop was the same outlet as the Ratsada premises.

Khetarat said Phuket authorities and the provincial public health office were conducting weekly inspections in response to complaints and ongoing monitoring. He said about 30 cannabis-shop licences had previously been revoked, while some businesses had resumed operating or selling cannabis.

Businesses with valid licences must comply strictly with Public Health Ministry rules, he said. Enforcement measures include licence suspensions of 30, 60 or 90 days, followed by revocation. Authorities are also discussing measures to seek the suspension of use of buildings or premises where repeated violations continue.