Two Bangla venues raided over illegal hookah services
Authorities seized 50 hookah sets, tobacco and related equipment valued at more than B600,000 during a raid on two venues in Phuket’s Bangla area.
Authorities raided two venues in Phuket’s Bangla area on 7 September over alleged illegal hookah services, arresting two people and seizing equipment valued at more than B600,000.
The operation was conducted at about 11.30pm after a complaint was filed with the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre, the Provincial Ombudsman’s Office. Officials from the provincial administration and the Phuket Provincial Administration Special Operations Unit inspected the venues and took legal action after finding hookahs and related equipment.
Authorities seized 50 hookah sets — 32 from one venue and 18 from the other — as well as 23 items of hookah tobacco weighing about 1,870 grammes. Other equipment linked to the sale and provision of hookah services was also confiscated.
Two people described by authorities as handlers and providers of the services were arrested. They face charges including concealing, selling, purchasing or receiving goods connected with offences under the Customs Act, along with offences relating to the import and sale of prohibited hookahs and electronic hookahs.
Authorities also cited regulations prohibiting the sale or offering for sale of electronic hookahs and e-cigarettes under an order of the Committee on the Safety of Goods and Services.
Deputy Phuket Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp said the same laws applied to businesses in Patong and other parts of the province. An official report said authorities would consider the timing and manner of enforcement in busy tourist areas.
The report did not name the two venues. Photos released with it showed that one was a rooftop bar.
