Raids in Phuket: new case and license data in 2026

Raids in Phuket affected a cannabis shop on Ratsada Street in Phuket Town. Phuket Radio reported that the shop had no permit to sell cannabis and that its owner had been detained. According to a local outlet (Rawai), the inspection took place on November 4, 2026.

Current as of November 8, 2026

What is known about the inspection of the shop on Ratsada Street

According to a local outlet (Rawai), the inspection took place on November 4, 2026. Phuket Radio gives the time — 15.15 — and the place: Ratsada Street, Talat Nuea subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district.

The authorities said there was no permit related to cannabis sales and that the owner had been detained. During the inspection, the following were seized:

• 36 cannabis items;
• 7 other items;
• 123,290 baht in cash.

Cash is neither a fine amount nor the value of the goods. Detention also does not mean a court verdict. Other restrictions for tourists in Thailand are covered separately.

Raids in Phuket: earlier results and new license data

In the earlier July snapshot, the Thai government reported: 533 shops did not renew their licenses, and 12 had their licenses suspended. These are different statuses; they do not mean that permits were revoked for all the listed shops or that each of them continues to trade.

As of November 2026, a new government statement lists 1,046 licensed shops in Phuket and 12,279 across the country. These figures describe a separate snapshot.

Simply put, the new number cannot be substituted for the earlier 533. The number of closed shops cannot be calculated from comparing this information.

Sales rules and shop responsibilities

A license is required for commercial sale or processing of cannabis — this requirement is set out in the government statement. After the previous license expires, a new application must be submitted to continue operating.

As stated in the official explanation from the relevant department, dispensing flower requires a prescription for a controlled herb on form ภ.ท. 33. The explanation lists medical, dental, pharmaceutical and traditional Thai medicine practice. The range of fields is broader than a single medical profession, but the prescription must be issued by an authorized specialist.

The government describes suspension of a license for 30 or 90 days and the possibility of revocation. A repeat of the same violation may become grounds for considering revocation. These are general measures, not a penalty already imposed on the owner of the shop on Ratsada Street.

What to do

A shop’s license does not replace a medical prescription. The UK government in its official travel advice warns that cannabis cannot be bought, stored or used without a medical prescription issued in Thailand.

If your question is about legal purchase, check the seller’s current license and whether an authorized specialist has issued a prescription. According to the official prescription form, one prescription is limited to no more than 30 days. The business is required to keep the document for 1 year from the date of issue; this requirement is not imposed on tourists.

Taking cannabis out of Thailand without the appropriate permission from the authorities is prohibited. Separately, we describe the risks of illegal cannabis export · RU.

Requirements may change. Check current conditions against official explanations from the relevant department; this material does not replace medical or legal advice.