Krabi Authorities Raid Shops Illegally Selling Kratom Tea, Generating Monthly Revenue of 1.5-2 Million Baht and Hiring Salespeople for 100 Baht per Hour

 Krabi Authorities Raid Shops Illegally Selling Kratom Tea, Generating Monthly Revenue of 1.5-2 Million Baht and Hiring Salespeople for 100 Baht per Hour

**Krabi, Thailand** - Special Ops forces from Krabi's provincial administration raided shops illegally selling kratom tea, uncovering a lucrative business with monthly revenue of 1.5-2 million baht and hourly wages of 100 baht for salespeople.

Led by Assistant District Chief Mr. Chaiwat Thong-hem, the raid targeted two locations in Krabi Noi subdistrict. The first shop, located on Ratthaphatthana Road in Moo 11, resulted in the arrest of Mr. Nattawat Sewek, 22 years old, and the seizure of 49 bottles of kratom tea. At the second shop, a fruit stall, Ms. Suwanrat Suwanno, 18 years old, and Mr. Chakkrit Chuangthip were apprehended along with 182 bottles of kratom tea, boiling equipment, and a gas stove.

Both individuals were charged with violating Public Health Announcement No. 430 B.E. 2564, which prohibits the production, import, or sale of food items under Section 6(8) of the Food and Drug Act B.E. 2522. The charges fall under Section 50 of the same Act, and the suspects were brought before judicial officers.

Investigations revealed that each shop generated monthly profits of 1.5-2 million baht from selling kratom tea at 50-60 baht per bottle. Despite previous arrests, the shops continued operations by changing salespersons to avoid repeated charges, as subsequent arrests would result in jail time compared to the initial fine. The shop owners reportedly paid salespeople 800 baht per day and also bribed certain officials.

**Key Points:**

* Illegally operated kratom tea shops were raided in Krabi Noi subdistrict.

* The shops generated substantial monthly revenue of 1.5-2 million baht.

* Salespeople were paid 100 baht per hour, and some shops allegedly bribed officials.

* Shop owners employed new salespeople to evade repeated arrests.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of illegal kratom sales and the potential involvement of corrupt officials in enabling such activities. It underscores the need for stricter enforcement measures and increased public awareness about the legal regulations surrounding kratom.