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Phuket Entertainment Venues Accuse Local Officials of Bribery

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, January 6th 2026 at 21:04 GMT by The Thaiger

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Phuket Entertainment Venue Operators Demand Probe into Alleged Bribery

A group of Phuket entertainment venue operators has demanded an investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the local authorities. The operators, who run various bars, clubs, and restaurants in Phuket, claim that they have been subjected to unfair treatment and harassment by local officials, who allegedly demand bribes in exchange for allowing them to operate their businesses.

According to a report by The Phuket News, the group of operators, who met with local media outlets, claimed that they have been facing significant pressure from local authorities, including the Phuket Provincial Police and the Phuket City Municipality. The operators alleged that officials have been demanding bribes from them in exchange for not shutting down their businesses or issuing fines for minor infractions.

The allegations of bribery and corruption have been ongoing for months, with some operators claiming that they have been forced to pay thousands of baht in bribes to local officials. The operators also alleged that some officials have been using the threat of closure or fines to extort money from them.

In response to the allegations, the Phuket Provincial Police have denied any wrongdoing and claimed that they are committed to transparency and accountability. However, the police have also acknowledged that there have been some issues with corruption within the force and have promised to investigate any allegations of bribery.

The issue of bribery and corruption within the Thai authorities is not new. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of corruption and bribery within the Thai police and other government agencies. In 2019, a report by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found that corruption was widespread within the Thai police, with many officers engaging in corrupt activities, including bribery and extortion.

The allegations of bribery and corruption within the Phuket authorities have sparked widespread concern among local business owners and residents. Many have expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and accountability within the local authorities and have called for greater action to be taken to address the issue.

In an effort to address the issue, the Phuket City Municipality has established a task force to investigate allegations of bribery and corruption within the local authorities. The task force, which is comprised of local officials and community leaders, aims to identify and address any instances of corruption and to promote greater transparency and accountability within the local government.

The issue of bribery and corruption within the Thai authorities has also sparked concern among international observers. In 2020, the United States Department of State published a report on human rights practices in Thailand, which noted that corruption was a significant problem within the Thai government. The report also highlighted concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability within the Thai authorities.

In conclusion, the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Phuket authorities are a serious concern that requires immediate attention. The issue is not only a problem for local business owners and residents but also has wider implications for the country's reputation and economic development. It is essential that the Thai authorities take concrete steps to address the issue and promote greater transparency and accountability within the government.

Additional Context

The allegations of bribery and corruption within the Phuket authorities are not isolated incidents. There have been numerous reports of corruption and bribery within the Thai government and police force in recent years.

In 2019, a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) found that corruption was a significant problem in Thailand, with many businesses and individuals reporting that they had been asked to pay bribes to government officials.

The issue of corruption and bribery within the Thai authorities has also been highlighted by various human rights organizations. In 2020, Human Rights Watch published a report on corruption and bribery within the Thai police, which noted that corruption was widespread and that many officers engaged in corrupt activities.

Sources

• The Phuket News: "Phuket entertainment venue operators demand probe into alleged bribery"
• National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC): "Report on Corruption within the Thai Police"
• United States Department of State: "Human Rights Practices in Thailand"
• International Monetary Fund (IMF): "Corruption and Economic Growth in Thailand"
• Human Rights Watch: "Corruption and Bribery within the Thai Police"

Related Articles

• "Thailand's Corruption Problem: A Threat to Economic Growth"
• "Bribery and Corruption within the Thai Police: A Widespread Problem"
• "Phuket Authorities Crack Down on Corruption and Bribery"