Police and Excise Department officers raided a major illegal liquor production site in Chonburi Province after receiving complaints about illicit distilling, seizing a large quantity of evidence.
At 15:30 on 19 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Police Lieutenant Colonel Samai Khansuwanna, Investigation Officer of Mueang Chonburi Police Station, together with Piyawat Wannsai, Senior Excise Academic Officer (Head of Excise Suppression Division, Chonburi Area 1), Ruerngrit Rojana, Deputy District Officer of Mueang Chonburi, Khwanchai Detchiwa, Village Headman of Nong Khang Khok Subdistrict, and Amnat Jaengcharoen, Village Chief of Village 6, Nong Khang Khok Subdistrict, jointly raided a house in Village 6, Nong Khang Khok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province, after reports of illicit liquor production.
Upon inspection, the site was a two-story detached house on about 200 square wah. Adjacent to the house was a liquor fermentation facility. At the rear, there were three high-quality liquor distillation machines. Sugar mixed with yeast was used to ferment the liquor, which after about 14 days, was distilled into 30-degree white liquor.
Mrs. Khanittha, 63, admitted ownership and had one Lao employee. Officials found 72 bottles of 300 ml infused liquor, 32 bottles of 700 ml, 22 gallons of 30-liter white liquor, and 11 gallons of 5-liter. She was charged with producing liquor without a license, punishable by a fine of 100,000 baht and imprisonment of six months. During the raid, officials from the Nong Khang Khok Subdistrict Administrative Organization also participated, noting prior inspections were obstructed when the owner refused to open the door despite previous complaints from villagers.
Khwanchai Detchiwa, Village Headman of Nong Khang Khok Subdistrict, said they had received complaints from village chiefs and local patrols about strong odors disturbing residents and wastewater discharge into public canals. He collaborated with village chiefs, the Deputy District Officer, and Mueang Chonburi Police to conduct the raid. Upon inspection, they found a liquor production facility with sugar fermentation tanks, finished liquor, and bottled infused liquor ready for sale in large quantities.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Samai Khansuwanna said they were informed by local authorities, including village chiefs, to investigate suspected illegal liquor production. Upon inspection, in cooperation with the Deputy District Officer and Excise officials, they found what appeared to be a large illegal liquor production site. The Excise Department will proceed with legal actions accordingly.
Piyawat Wannsai, Senior Excise Academic Officer (Head of Excise Suppression Division, Chonburi Area 1), stated that after coordination with police and local administration, they found distillation equipment and distilled liquor as well as mixed distilled liquor (infused liquor). These constitute offenses of possessing to produce or distilling liquor without permission, punishable by up to six months imprisonment and fines up to 100,000 baht, as well as selling liquor without authorization, punishable by fines up to 50,000 baht.
The fermented liquid not yet distilled is not considered liquor and can be used to make bio-fermented products for other purposes. Possession and production of illegal liquor violate the Excise Act. Citizens with information about such activities can report via the Excise Department hotline at 1713. Authorities seized all evidence, including distillation machines, and the suspect was handed over to Mueang Chonburi Police Station for legal proceedings.