Surat Thani authorities say they are continuing a sustained crackdown on illegal foreign activity on the province’s tourist islands, with nearly 3,000 cases involving foreign nationals recorded in the past seven months. The renewed focus follows growing public concern over the presence of Israeli communities on Koh Phangan and allegations of illegal business operations, land ownership through nominees, and unlicensed activities.
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Governor Jumphot Wannachatsiri confirmed that Surat Thani officials have been addressing the issue continuously since October 2025. A special task force was established under former governor Theerut Supawibulpol to investigate and suppress illegal business activities and operations involving foreign nationals, with particular attention given to Israeli groups.
Between 1 October 2025 and 30 April 2026, authorities recorded 2,603 cases involving foreign nationals. These included 122 immigration offences for illegal entry and residence, 65 visa overstay cases, 199 cases of working without permits, five cases involving assisting illegal migrants, 273 drug-related offences, 26 gambling cases, 1,757 traffic law violations and 20 nominee business cases.
Myanmar nationals accounted for the highest number of arrests with 1,103 individuals, followed by Russians with 316, Israelis with 179, French nationals with 155, British nationals with 143, Germans with 116, Laotians with 87, Chinese nationals with 49, Cambodians with 37, Indians with eight and 410 people from other countries.
The controversy intensified after authorities raided a foreign-owned childcare centre on Koh Phangan. Officials alleged the centre was operating beyond its authorised scope and accepting children above the permitted age range. The incident prompted concerns from the Fourth Army Region that Israeli groups were attempting to establish significant influence on the island.
A Thai hotel operator on Koh Phangan told local media that noticeable changes began after Thailand reopened following the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022. The source claimed luxury villas were increasingly being developed in Sri Thanu, with land reportedly divided and sold to foreign buyers, particularly Israelis, through Thai ownership structures.
The source also claimed around 150 to 200 Israeli families now live in the Sri Thanu area, with expansion continuing towards Haad Yao and Koh Ma. Concerns were also raised about foreign nationals allegedly using long-term leases, free-visa schemes, and Destination Thailand Visas (DTV) to operate accommodation businesses by subletting properties through international online booking platforms.
Despite the criticism, the hotel operator said claims that Israelis were “taking over” Koh Phangan were exaggerated and estimated the claim was “only 10%” true. The source argued that foreign business activity and nominee ownership involved many nationalities, not only Israelis.
The Daily News reported that the Governor Jumphot said authorities would continue coordinated enforcement operations to maintain public order and protect the province’s tourism image. He urged residents and business operators to report suspected illegal activities to authorities.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 11 May 2026