PHUKET: Thailand's Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) is preparing to recommend the five-year closure of two unlicensed entertainment venues in Phuket's Thalang district following raids that also raised questions about foreign ownership and possible money laundering.
Deputy Director-General Ronnarong Thipsiri led the department's special operations team and Phuket provincial administrative officials in the raids on Sunday (November 8).
The operation, codenamed "Andaman Lockdown", followed complaints alleging that certain entertainment businesses in Phuket were operating with the backing of influential local figures.
The complaints also raised suspicions that foreign nationals were the actual owners of some businesses but were using Thai nominees to hold ownership on their behalf. Authorities were asked to investigate whether the arrangements could involve money laundering.
Following the complaints, undercover administrative officers investigated the two establishments and found that neither held the required entertainment venue licence.
Investigators also identified foreign nationals working as employees, managers, DJs and dancers, including people from Russia, Ukraine, Iran and Myanmar.
The establishments catered to foreign customers, while investigators also identified suspected alcohol sales outside legally permitted hours.
During the raids, officers found foreign patrons drinking and enjoying entertainment performances inside the venues. Earlier undercover investigations had also identified Russian dancers performing revealing routines.
The arrival of the enforcement teams caused alarm among customers.
Officials subsequently charged the operators of both establishments with running entertainment venues without licences.
The operator of one venue faced an additional charge of selling alcoholic beverages outside the hours permitted by law.
DOPA has coordinated with Phuket Immigration and the provincial employment office to examine the legal status of foreign employees and customers.
Immigration officials will check whether the foreign nationals entered Thailand lawfully, while employment authorities will determine whether those working at the establishments hold valid work permits.
The department also plans to request assistance from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to investigate the venues' financial transactions and funding sources.
The examination will seek to establish where the businesses obtained their capital and whether the financial arrangements comply with the law.
Officials indicated that the establishments' activities also violated National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Order No. 22/2015.
DOPA is therefore preparing to submit a recommendation to the Phuket governor to order both establishments closed for five years.
Ronnarong described "Andaman Lockdown" as part of the Ministry of Interior's policy to maintain public order and tackle foreign investment arrangements involving suspected unlawful business ownership in major tourist destinations such as Phuket.
He emphasised that the ministry was committed to maintaining social order, protecting public safety and addressing activities that undermine community wellbeing.
"The Ministry of Interior's duty is to maintain social order, create a peaceful and orderly society, prevent vice-related activities and ensure public safety," Ronnarong said.
"Anything that conflicts with these objectives must be eliminated through the mechanisms of the state."
He also encouraged members of the public to assist authorities by reporting suspicious activities and problems affecting their communities.
Residents can submit information or request assistance through district or provincial Damrongtham Centres, or contact the Ministry of Interior's Damrongtham Centre on hotline 1567. - The Nation/ANN
