11 bars face charges after raids

PHUKET TOWN: Eleven pubs and restaurants were today charged with a variety of offenses after raids by 120 Phuket Town police officers early yesterday morning. Four establishments – Kon Tid Din Pub, Kung Ja Restaurant, Studio Pub, and Rong-Tium Pub – were charged with allowing entry to people under the age of 18. Suan Ahan Pae-Tai Restaurant was charged with allowing people under 18 years old to work on its premises. Five others – Night Fever Pub, TaKiang Pub, Rong-Tium Pub, E-Go Pub, and Boopachon Pub – were charged with staying open after the 3 am limit. The managers of Kon Tid Din Pub and Red Indian Pub were charged with failing to inform officers 15 days before the opening of their venues, while Star Music Hall was charged with opening without permission. The raids also snagged one customer in the Cowboy Pub, Thammasak Singniew, who was arrested for carrying a gun and ammunition without a permit.