CHIANG RAI – Governor Chucheep Pongchai has moved quickly to back the government’s urgent policy on narcotics control, launching “Chiang Rai Fa Sai” under the “Operation 90 Days” plan to crack down on drug-related activity.
The province, working with police, military, and administrative agencies, targeted shops that were secretly selling flavored kratom drinks and cough medicine to children and teenagers. Officials say the campaign is meant to protect young people and restore peace in local communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Officials acted on a public tip about illegal sales to minors.
- The targeted shop looked like a regular convenience store from the outside.
- Investigators say the store sold mixed kratom drinks and cough medicine around the clock.
- Authorities say the crackdown will continue under the national anti-drug policy.
Governor Chucheep Pongchai led the operation together with Chiang Rai Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Manop Senakul, Col. Singhanat Losuya, deputy director of the Chiang Rai Internal Security Operations Command, and other related agencies.
After residents reported suspicious sales, officers inspected a grocery shop in Mueang Chiang Rai District where kratom drinks and cough medicine were allegedly being sold to youth.
Shop Raided After Public Complaint
On July 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., officers entered the shop and found that, on the surface, it looked like an ordinary convenience store. In local teen circles, however, it was known as a place where people could buy flavored kratom drinks and cough medicine to mix into intoxicating beverages.
The shop reportedly sold flavored kratom drinks for 110 to 115 baht per bottle, while cough medicine and allergy medicine cost 115 baht per bottle. It also stayed open 24 hours a day.
During the inspection, officers detained one person in charge of the shop and seized several items as evidence. The shop attendant told investigators that sales of kratom products averaged about 10,000 to 12,000 baht a day, and that late at night large groups of teenagers often came in to buy them.
Police collected all seized items and sent the case to investigators for prosecution under the law. Officials said they will keep enforcing the rules strictly under the direction of the government and the Ministry of Interior.
They also said the operation will continue without pause to stop the spread of drugs and harmful substances among children and young people in Chiang Rai and nearby areas.
