Phuket Raids Cannabis Shops: 8 Licenses Suspended, 2 Revoked in Patong

Phuket— Authorities in Phuket have launched a sweeping enforcement operation against cannabis retailers in Patong’s Bangla Road area, suspending or revoking licenses in a bid to tighten control and safeguard visitors. The operation brought together district officials, provincial public health officers, and volunteer defense corps members to inspect licensed cannabis shops. Authorities told the Phuket Express that during the inspections, the operating licenses of eight shops were suspended. Two shops had their licenses permanently revoked. Officials stated their intention to continue similar enforcement actions to ensure compliance with cannabis sales regulations. This move signals a shift in the government's approach to the cannabis industry, which has seen rapid expansion since its decriminalization in Thailand in 2022. While cannabis was decriminalized, regulations have remained a subject of ongoing debate, with the government expressing concerns about potential negative impacts on tourism and sales to minors. The intensified raids in Patong are seen as an effort to maintain order in a popular tourist hub and to place some restrictions on recreational cannabis use.