CHIANG RAI, THAILAND — Authorities in northern Thailand raided a café on Jed Yod Road in Mueang district on Tuesday after receiving complaints that it was illegally selling kratom tea to teenage students.
The operation was led by Chiang Rai governor Charin Thongsuk, who ordered police, district officials, and military personnel to investigate the premises. The raid revealed 19 teenagers, aged 15 to 19, gathered at the café. Several were still dressed in school uniforms, military cadet outfits, or casual attire.
The teens were allegedly skipping school to drink kratom tea, socialize, and play mobile games. The café had reportedly become a regular hangout for students, causing disturbances by hosting loud gatherings that lasted into the night.
Authorities noted that the teens were consuming food, soft drinks, and flavored kratom tea, a herbal stimulant made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom, though no longer classified as an illegal narcotic in Thailand, requires a license for distribution. Selling it to minors remains prohibited.
The café owner, identified only as Talan, 35, admitted to selling the kratom-based drink at 80 baht per glass. He was charged with two offences and taken to Mueang Chiang Rai Police Station for legal proceedings. Officials did not specify the exact charges, but they are likely related to unauthorized sale and providing kratom to minors.
The students found at the café were referred to the Chiang Rai Provincial Education Office, which will determine appropriate disciplinary action in line with school regulations.
Kratom has grown in popularity in Thailand following its decriminalization in 2021, but regulations still control its sale, marketing, and distribution, particularly involving minors.
