Patong Police Station announced the first two arrests on Thursday (May 2), following two separate inspections conducted the previous night (May 1-2).
Mr Thotsapon (full name withheld) was arrested near Baan Laimai Beach Resort & Spa around 10.30pm on May 1. He was taken to Patong Police Station and charged with selling pyrotechnics without permission. Police photos show Mr Thotsapon with over 20 different types of fireworks allegedly intended for sale.
Continuing the crackdown, another team of officers from Patong Police arrested an unnamed New Zealand national early at 00.30am on May 2. The man, apprehended in the area of Banana Walk, was found in possession of two fireworks and charged with illegal fireworks setup and causing a nuisance.
On the next night (May 2-3) Patong Police made a third arrest. An unnamed Thai national was apprehended near the Holiday Inn Resort with six sets of fireworks, which he was allegedly selling without the necessary permits.
The operation extended into the night of May 3-4, with police conducting further inspections on the beach together with Tourist Police Volunteers.
Although no additional firework violators were found, the patrol was not entirely unproductive. Officers seized several beach chairs that had been illegally set up on public land.
Patong Police Station noted that their enforcement efforts target various violations, including illegal sales of alcoholic beverages and unauthorised setup of chairs and tables on the beach.
Officers also highlighted ongoing public awareness initiatives, urging locals and tourists alike to report any illegal activities or emergencies to Patong Police at 076-342769.