Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Jeff Tomas
CHIANG RAI – Authorities in Chiang Rai recently raided a fake mala shop selling flavored kratom juice to local teens. The sudden raid is part of the “Chiang Rai Clear Sky” operation to tackle local drug abuse. Officials took action after concerned citizens reported the illegal sales to the police.
Chiang Rai Governor Chucheep Pongchai ordered the raid to protect local youth and ensure public safety. This strict effort follows urgent anti-drug policies from Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The ultimate goal is to firmly suppress illegal drugs and bring peace back to the community.
Key Takeaways
- Police raided a fake Mala shop in Chiang Rai for selling illegal kratom juice to teenagers.
- The bust is part of a larger government crackdown called Operation Chiang Rai Clear Sky.
- Officers arrested one shop caretaker and seized the illegal kratom drinks as evidence.
Teens Could Buy Custom Kratom Drinks
The government is taking a tough stance on illicit substances across the northern Thai provinces. Several high-ranking officials, including the Chiang Rai Police Commander and local district chiefs, joined forces for this mission. They want to ensure that no illegal businesses operate near schools or family areas.
This specific raid happened on October 7, 2026, around 4:30 PM in the Mueang Chiang Rai district. A joint team of police, soldiers, and local officials carried out the surprise inspection. They targeted a store with old signs advertising spicy Mala skewers and milk tea.
However, the store no longer sold any food or normal drinks to the public. Instead, it operated solely as a secret hub for flavored kratom juice. Local teenagers knew they could buy custom kratom drinks here without showing any identification.
According to investigators, the shop sold the flavored kratom in plastic bags for 85 baht each. This low price made it very easy for young people to afford the illegal drinks. Furthermore, buyers could ask for various custom flavors to mask the bitter taste of the plant.
Crackdown on Illegal Night Sales
The illegal business stayed open daily from 1:00 PM until 11:00 PM to catch the after-school crowd. During these hours, the shop made about 2,000 baht a day mainly from youth customers. The busiest times were late evening and night when teen groups usually hung out.
During the bust, officers successfully arrested one person who was working as the shop caretaker. The police quickly seized all the illegal kratom products and mixing equipment as evidence. The suspect was then handed over to local investigators to face strict legal charges.
Authorities promise to continue these sudden inspections across the province to keep neighborhoods safe. Citizens are encouraged to keep reporting any suspicious activities they see in their local towns. This collaborative effort helps law enforcement maintain peace and protect vulnerable youth from illegal substances.
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