Phuket Authorities Raid Bang Tao Hookah Lounge, Seize 15 Hookahs and 3.6kg of Smoking Mixtures

Authorities in Phuket carried out a late-night inspection at a hookah lounge in the Bang Tao area, seizing 15 hookah sets and more than 3.6 kilogrammes of smoking mixtures. One person was detained during the operation and later handed over to police in Cherng Talay for further legal proceedings.

The inspection took place at around 10:30pm on August 24 at an unnamed establishment in Cherng Talay subdistrict, Thalang district. The official report did not disclose the name of the venue or its manager, citing Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act. The raid followed a complaint from local residents and was conducted by a special team from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and members of the territorial defence volunteer corps, known as OrSor.

After the administrative inspection was completed, the detained person and all seized items were transferred to investigators at Cherng Talay Police Station. Officers recorded approximately 3.645 kilogrammes of hookah smoking mixtures, 15 hookah sets and other equipment believed to be connected with the operation of the business. In total, DOPA listed 18 items in the seizure inventory.

The detainee was charged under relevant legislation, with additional legal considerations reportedly involving consumer protection regulations. The official information did not provide further details about the identity of the person or the specific charges filed.

A separate raid was also carried out later that same evening by another DOPA team from Mueang Phuket district. According to local reports, officers seized 32 hookah sets and related equipment during that operation.

The second inspection resulted in the arrest of the establishment's manager in connection with offences related to hookah services, while six Myanmar nationals were also detained over alleged violations of labour regulations. Officials reportedly believe that the workers were employed in positions different from those specified in their work permits. They were also suspected of failing to notify the relevant authorities after changing employers.

Authorities further alleged that the establishment was selling alcoholic beverages without a licence from the Excise Department.

DOPA did not link the raids specifically to the so-called “90-day Operation”. Instead, the department described the inspections as part of a broader campaign aimed at maintaining public order and checking businesses that have attracted complaints from local residents.