The raid, carried out just after 8pm last night (Nov 19), was led by Phuket Provincial Defense Officer Akara Suwatthikul and members of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Special Operations Unit following a public complaint.
Officials said the shop had been selling hookahs to students and members of the public despite being located close to a school.
One male suspect was arrested. Seized items included 12 hookah sets, approximately 327.3 grammes of hookah tobacco, used hookah materials, hoses, nozzles, charcoal, a small charcoal stove, foil and a cash bill.
The man arrested, not named in the report by officials, faces three charges:
- Possessing or trading in prohibited goods in violation of the Customs Act and the Ministry of Commerce order designating electronic hookahs and e-cigarettes as banned imports.
- Selling or providing services for hookahs, electronic hookahs, e-cigarettes or related refilling liquids in contravention of Consumer Protection Board Order No. 9/2558.
- Selling or displaying alcohol for sale without a licence under the Liquor Act.
The suspect and all seized evidence were taken to Kathu Police Station at around 12:30am, noted the Phuket Provincial Defense Office in its report.
The report posted online did not name the venue raided in text, but did include photos plainly identifying the shop as ‘Desi Beats’.
The report also did not identify exactly which "educational institution" was reportedly nearby.
The report, and photos, also made it evident that no police were present for the raid.
Provincial officials said the crackdown is part of the government’s and Interior Ministry’s ongoing policy to maintain social order and curb illicit activities affecting community safety.