Six foreign nationals, one Briton and five Spaniards, have been arrested on Koh Tao for allegedly working as diving instructors without work permits.
Surat Thani Immigration Police said the six were using Destination Thailand Visas (DTVs), intended for remote work, but had been teaching diving at businesses on the island without authorisation.
The arrests followed inspections at four targeted premises on Koh Tao by immigration officers, Koh Tao police, Tourist Police, local administrative officials, Department of Business Development staff and public health officials from Koh Phangan district.
Police Colonel Naruwat Phutthawiro, chief of Surat Thani Immigration, said on 20 August that the operation was launched after reports on social media of foreigners and migrant workers allegedly working illegally, particularly in the diving sector.
Dive businesses face further scrutiny
Officials said diving operators need suitably experienced and qualified instructors, particularly on Koh Tao, a globally known diving destination. They said unauthorised work could affect tourist safety and the island's tourism image.
Company directors were also accused of employing foreign workers without work permits. Authorities said they would investigate further to establish whether nominee shareholding arrangements were involved, with legal action to follow if violations are found.
For foreigners living or working in Thailand, the case is a reminder that a visa allowing a stay in the country does not automatically permit local employment. The DTV is designed for remote workers and others who meet its conditions; undertaking work for a Thai business, including teaching or providing services on the ground, generally requires the appropriate work authorisation.
Pharmacy and salon workers also detained
During the same operation, officers inspected a pharmacy where a Myanmar national, identified as Sa Chi Lin, was found selling medicines and taking payments from customers. No pharmacist was present at the shop during the inspection.
She was arrested on an allegation of working beyond the scope of her permitted employment.
At a beauty salon in Ban Haad Sairee, authorities found two Myanmar nationals providing nail services to foreign customers. Their documents allowed them to work in other job categories, officers said, while beauty work is not permitted for foreign workers.
Both were arrested on allegations of working beyond their authorised permissions.
In total, nine people were detained over alleged foreign-worker employment offences and handed to investigators at Koh Tao Police Station for legal proceedings.
Surat Thani Immigration said enforcement would continue. Between 1 January and 19 August 2026, it recorded 47 arrests of foreign nationals on Koh Tao for alleged offences under foreign employment, immigration and narcotics laws, as well as other criminal offences.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
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21 August 2026
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