Cops raid Phuket bar operating past closing time

Cops raided a Phuket bar that was reportedly opening and selling alcohol past the legal closing time. A team from Mueang Phuket District and Phuket City Police raided the bar at 1.09am on Wednesday, 77 Kaoded reported. The bar is located on Chana Jaroen Road in the Talad Yai sub-district of the main city district.

The team found over 200 people inside the bar enjoying a live music performance. Meanwhile, the bar was still serving food and alcohol.

Police said they arrested the bar’s manager, 27 year old Wisarut. The officers said Wisarut was unable to present a legal bar license.

The officers brought Wisarut to Phuket City Police Station to face charges of operating an entertainment venue without permission, and selling alcohol past the legal time.

The team raided the bar after concerned citizens complained that the bar was operating beyond the legal closing time. The raid was conducted under the command of Phuket Governor Narong, along with several other officials from police departments, and other city departments.

This news comes after a few other crackdowns in Phuket and Thailand involving nightlife and partying.

On Wednesday, it was reported that police arrested a Russian man and a Thai woman in Patong over cannabis and work permits. This was after Kathu District Chief Thitiwat Boonkit led a team to inspect cannabis shops in Patong.

The Thai woman, identified as 39 year old Apiradee Hanyek, was accused of selling cannabis buds without a permit. Some 175 bags of cannabis buds were seized from her shop. The Russian national, identified as 34 year old Rychkov Kirill was accused of working without a permit.

Last week in Pattaya, police raided a bar on Soi Pattaya Klang 12, located in the Nong Prue sub-district. District chief Pisit Sitisawatnukun said the Dragon Man Bar was operating without a license, opening beyond the legal closing time of 2am, and allowing the use of drugs. The manager, who was not identified, was taken to the Pattaya City Police Station for questioning.