SONGKHLA: A chicken slaughterhouse that sold to fresh markets across Hat Yai district and drew complaints about the smell it generated has been shutdown after being found to be operating without a licence.
The abattoir in Soi 9 on Lopburi Ramesuan Road in Moo 4 of tambon Klong Hae was raided by livestock officials and police, supported by solders, on Friday.
The closure came after neighbours petitioned local authorities, complaining about the smell coming from the slaughterhouse.
Officials said the smell was found to come from chicken carcasses which had obviously been stored there for a long time. The place also housed live chickens ready for slaughter.
There were about 10 workers on the premises, where searchers also found a bottle containing a narcotic cocktail made with cough syrup and kratom leaves.
Chicken meat from the abattoir was being distributed to fresh markets across the district, officials said.
Police charged Noppadol Hemaman, the 42-year-old owner, with operating a poultry slaughterhouse without the necessary permits.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and/or a fine of 20,000 baht under the Animal Slaughtering and Sale of Meat Control Act.
