Two nightclubs in the Kathu district of Phuket have been ordered to close for 5 years, following police raids earlier this month. The Ratree Club and Maha Nakhon Club were both raided in the early hours of Thursday, June 1, following complaints from residents.
Locals had complained that the clubs were open past the legal closing time of 2.00am and were creating a noise disturbance. According to the complaints, the Ratree Club would remain open until 4.00am every day, at which point clubbers would cross the street to the Maha Nakhon Club, which allegedly remained open until 6.00am.
The clubs were raided at around 3.30am on June 1 by officers from Kathu Police, accompanied by officials from the Department of Provincial Administration. The DOPA officials were led by Narong Thipsiri, according to a Phuket Express report. The clubs were found to be operating past the legal hours and admitting and serving alcohol to minors.
Following the raids, 5 senior officers from Kathu Police, including the Chief of Police, were transferred. In addition, the Kathu District Chief was transferred to the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where he was given the role of Chief of Chang Klang District.
Yesterday, both clubs were handed 5-year closure orders by the Kathu District Office. The orders were issued by Phuket Vice Governor Amnouy Pinsuwan and are effective immediately, until June 26, 2028.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
