Phuket Officials Suspend Seven Cannabis Shops After Regulatory Violations Uncovered
Phuket authorities suspended seven cannabis shops for regulatory violations, intensifying enforcement efforts as Thailand tightens oversight of its cannabis industry
Key Points
- 1Seven cannabis shops in Cherng Talay, Phuket were shut down for regulatory breaches
- 2Violations included on-site smoking, missing inventory forms, and illegal advertising
- 3Authorities pledged continued inspections to enforce compliance with cannabis laws
A coordinated crackdown in Phuket’s Cherng Talay district has led to the immediate suspension of seven cannabis shops after authorities discovered widespread breaches of cannabis regulations. The joint operation, conducted on July 2 by the Thalang District Office, Phuket Public Health Office, local police, and other agencies, targeted eight establishments between 1:30pm and 4:30pm. Only one shop was found to be fully compliant, while the remaining businesses were ordered to cease operations amid ongoing investigations
Officials cited a range of violations, including on-site cannabis smoking at two locations and the failure of five shops to submit required PorTor 27 and PorTor 28 sourcing and inventory forms. Additionally, three businesses were caught advertising controlled cannabis products, and two others allegedly sold extracts without proper authorisation. "The licences of all seven shops have been suspended effective immediately," a Thalang District Office spokesperson confirmed. "The shops must cease all operations while the investigations continue."
Samples from the non-compliant shops have been collected for analysis to determine whether the products fall under the Herbal Products Act or the Narcotics Code. The crackdown comes amid growing public concern in Phuket over lax enforcement of cannabis laws, particularly in tourist areas where residents have complained about unauthorised smoking and aggressive marketing. Authorities have pledged further proactive inspections island-wide to ensure strict compliance with Ministry of Public Health regulations
From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this decisive action in Phuket signals a new era of enforcement for Thailand’s cannabis industry, underscoring the government’s commitment to regulating cannabis sales and consumption. As the country continues to adapt to its evolving cannabis laws, operators must remain vigilant to avoid severe penalties and potential closure. This development is worth monitoring, as it may set a precedent for regulatory actions in other Thai provinces and influence the broader Southeast Asian cannabis market
