Phuket – The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration launched the “Andaman Lockdown” operation to surround, inspect, and crack down on two illegal venues allegedly supported by local influential figures involved in money laundering, using Thai nominees. All staff, including managers, DJs, and dancers, were foreigners. Authorities plan to recommend a 5-year closure to the Phuket Governor.
At 23:50 on 8 Nov 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Ronarong Tipsiri, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, along with Mr. Romdon Hayi-Awa, Deputy Governor of Phuket, Mr. Siwatch Ruwangkul, Acting Chief District Officer of Mueang Phuket, Ms. Wilailak Ruangphon, Chief District Officer of Thalang, and Mr. Sakchai Rojanarath, Director of the Law Enforcement Operations Center, led a special operations team in collaboration with Phuket local authorities to inspect and arrest operators of CLC (COME LEO COME) and The Black Bar in Thalang District, Phuket. This aligns with the policy “Relieve suffering, promote happiness, protect peace, defeat drugs, and conquer criminals” targeting suspected unlicensed venues.
The administrative task force immediately raided both venues without prior notice to customers or operators. Inside the CLC nightclub, many foreign patrons were enjoying the lively nightlife atmosphere, accompanied by performances.
Investigations revealed that the scantily clad dancing models on stage were Russian nationals. When officials identified themselves, patrons were startled and panicked, but the authorities quickly restored order. All managers and staff were foreigners from Ukraine, Russia, Iran, and Myanmar. They were detained for verification of their identities, passports, and work permits according to legal procedures. Initially, no business operating licenses were found.
Similarly, The Black Bar was found operating without a legal license and selling alcoholic beverages beyond the permitted hours. The manager and related personnel were detained to face legal prosecution.
This follows a directive from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who assigned Deputy Minister Polpee Suwanchawee (responsible for social order and security) to instruct Mr. Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Mr. Ronarong Tipsiri, Deputy Director-General, together with local Phuket officials, to inspect and crack down on illegal venues in Thalang District under the policy “Relieve suffering, promote happiness, protect peace, defeat drugs, and conquer criminals.” The actions of both venues violate NCPO Order 22/2015. Authorities plan to recommend a 5-year closure to the Phuket Governor.
Deputy Director-General Ronarong Tipsiri stated that the “Andaman Lockdown” operation follows the Ministry of Interior’s social order policy, as emphasized by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Minister Polpee Suwanchawee. The focus is to regulate and suppress foreign capital controlling businesses in tourist areas like Phuket. The Ministry aims to create a peaceful, orderly society free of vice, ensuring public security. Any activity contrary to these goals will be eliminated through state mechanisms.
This operation was prompted by complaints from Phuket residents that CLC (COME LEO COME) and The Black Bar claimed support from local influential figures and might be involved in money laundering. The actual owners are foreigners using Thai nominees for ownership. The Department of Provincial Administration was requested to verify these claims. Investigations confirmed neither venue had a business license. At CLC, all staff, including managers, DJs, and dancers, were foreigners from Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Myanmar catering mainly to foreign customers. Both venues also sold alcohol beyond legal hours. Authorities planned and executed this raid accordingly.