Phuket Authorities Suspend and Revoke Licenses at 11 Rawai Cannabis Shops

Phuket provincial authorities have carried out a coordinated inspection of cannabis shops in Rawai following public complaints about widespread regulatory violations.

The operation was aimed at checking whether cannabis businesses were complying with regulations, with particular attention paid to the ban on smoking cannabis on shop premises. Under Ministry of Public Health regulations, businesses found violating the rules may face suspension or revocation of their operating licenses.

A total of 13 cannabis shops in Rawai were inspected. Authorities reported the following results:

• 8 shops had their licenses suspended for 90 days.

• 3 shops had their licenses revoked. Two were found to have allowed cannabis smoking on the premises, while another was penalized for repeated violations related to advertising.

• 2 shops were found to be operating in compliance with the regulations.

The inspection forms part of a wider national campaign initiated by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Provincial governors and police commanders have been instructed to strengthen enforcement, maintain public order, combat narcotics-related activities and protect major tourist destinations.

Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampanrat has likewise emphasized stricter enforcement of the law as part of efforts to improve public safety and strengthen confidence in Phuket as a major international tourism destination.