Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir responds to Prime Minister Anutin’s orders by shaking up Phuket with the launch of “Operation 90 Days,” targeting cannabis shops violating license suspension orders.
On 11 July 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwanchawi visited Phuket province leading special operations officers from the Department of Provincial Administration. The operation integrated efforts with Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsom, Deputy Director-General Ronarong Tipsiri of the Department, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytale Laksameesangchan, and Thalang District Chief Wilailak Ruangpon to inspect cannabis shops and suspicious businesses suspected of being foreign nominee fronts in Cherng Talay, Thalang District. This was part of a strategic plan to restore social order, suppress influential figures, and decisively wage a war on drugs under the code name “Operation 90 Days,” following urgent directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Phonphir disclosed that this raid on cannabis shops in Thalang District is a thorough follow-up investigation stemming from authorities’ arrest of two Thai female suspects with over 30 kilograms of cannabis being smuggled out of Phuket the previous day. At the targeted establishment, officials found clear evidence that the business license had already been temporarily suspended due to three regulatory violations. Despite this, the shop openly continued to serve customers, illegally selling cannabis, cannabis joints (joi), and cannabis-infused snacks. These acts seriously violated the Food Act and breached administrative orders. Bangkok and local authorities are preparing to permanently revoke the establishment’s license.
Additionally, inspections of the shop’s records and data systems revealed no documentation or medical certificates from customers as required for medical cannabis control. This strongly suggests the shop deliberately sold cannabis to the general public and foreign tourists without medical prescriptions, misusing the product beyond its intended purpose.
“I have instructed the Phuket Governor, local administration, and police to conduct thorough sweeps and inspections of every establishment across Phuket island without exception—whether unlicensed shops, those selling unauthorized products, those secretly mixing cannabis into food, or those illegally selling to foreigners for smuggling via airports or buses. We will X-ray the entire province to restore social order. Any illegal activity will be immediately prosecuted,” said the Deputy Interior Minister.
Phonphir emphasized that the Ministry of Interior and the government support operators and shops that comply with laws, hold clear licenses, and sell cannabis genuinely for medical purposes as intended by the Ministry of Public Health. However, illegal groups using nominees to disguise their operations and violate laws will not be tolerated. Moving forward, efforts will intensify to dismantle mafias, nominee businesses, and all forms of illegal activities to ensure fairness and elevate Phuket’s reputation as a world-class, sustainable tourist destination in Thailand.