Phuket Finds 533 Cannabis Shops Without Renewed Licenses in Government Crackdown
Authorities in Phuket found 533 cannabis shops that had not renewed their licenses and 12 with suspended licenses during a government-led inspection campaign, officials said.
Thailand's government has intensified inspections of cannabis shops in Phuket, finding 533 businesses that had not renewed their licenses and 12 whose licenses had been suspended, a government spokesperson said on July 19, 2569.
Ploytalay Laksameesang, deputy government spokesperson, said the action followed the government's policy designating cannabis flower as a controlled herb. Businesses selling or processing cannabis flower for commercial purposes must obtain a license and comply strictly with legal conditions, she said.
Authorities in Phuket have combined the efforts of administrative officials, police and public-health agencies to conduct inspections across the province. Officials will accelerate investigations and legal action if businesses are found to be operating covertly or violating the law, Ploytalay said.
The inspections are part of the government's tighter control of cannabis for medical purposes and its campaign against unlawful activity. The government has instructed agencies to take action against operators without licenses or those breaching licensing conditions, while continuing inspections, particularly in major tourism areas.
Ploytalay said the enforcement campaign is intended to organize public activity, improve safety, raise the standard and image of Thailand's tourism industry, and build confidence among residents and tourists. It also aims to ensure that cannabis businesses operate in accordance with the law.
