Two illegal entertainment venues in Phuket raided in nominee crackdown

A joint force of territorial defence officers and local officials raided two unlicensed entertainment venues in Thalang district of Phuket late Sunday night, targeting illegal operations and foreign nominee businesses.

Investigators also found evidence linking foreigners to business operations using Thai nominees as majority shareholders.

The operation, dubbed Andaman Lockdown, was led by Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) deputy director-general Ronnarong Thipsiri and Phuket deputy governor Romdon Hayiawae, alongside DOPA special operations officers at around 11.30pm last night.

Authorities first searched the ‘CLC Restaurant Phuket’ in Srisunthon sub-district, which was found packed with mostly with foreign tourists. The venue featured a show stage, DJ booth, bar area and VIP rooms.

Investigators interrogated staff and key personnel, including a Russian manager and security guards.

Ronnarong said the establishment operated without a valid entertainment venue licence, while most of the migrant workers there were employed in roles outside their permitted work categories.

Although registered in 2025 under a Thai woman as its sole director, intelligence indicates she acted as a nominee for Ukrainian investors. Authorities plan to expand the investigation to trace the financial backers.

Officers also raided ‘The Black Bar’ in Thepkasattri sub-district for similar licensing and labour law violations, though no foreign nominee links were found.

The juristic entities of both venues face charges under the Entertainment Venue Act of 1966 for operating without a licence, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act of 2008 for selling alcohol beyond permitted hours and the Royal Decree on managing the work of foreigners.

Authorities will request a five-year closure order for both sites from the Phuket governor.