Pattaya, Thailand – February 16,lth, 2025
The Tourist Police Bureau arrested an Australian man for illegally operating a cannabis shop in Pattaya, a move they said was aimed at undercutting local Thai businesses.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., Pol. Col. Songwut Chueaplakit, head of the Investigation Division of the Tourist Police Bureau, acted on a tip-off from a concerned citizen regarding an unauthorized cannabis shop and a foreigner allegedly working illegally. He directed Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Raksa, his deputy, to lead a team of investigators to the scene.
The raid took place at “Black of the Woods,” located at 205/1 Moo 10. Upon arrival, officers found Mr. Dejan, whose last name has been withheld, a 27-year-old Australian, actively managing the shop. Mr. Dejan was found to be alone, without any Thai staff to assist, openly selling cannabis to customers. Mr. Dejan did not have a work permit.
Following the inspection, Mr. Dejan was arrested on charges of operating a business without the necessary permissions as stipulated by Thailand’s Immigration Act of 1979. He was taken to Pattaya City Police Station where further legal proceedings will follow.
