Thai authorities have raided four resorts in Koh Phangan’s Sri Thanu area as part of a crackdown on illegal hotel operations and suspected foreign nominee business arrangements linked to Israeli groups staying on the island. Officers from the Department of Provincial Administration, immigration police and Koh Phangan police carried out coordinated inspections on 9 May, leading to charges against three businesses for allegedly operating hotels without licences.
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The operation targeted properties in Ban Ao Sri Thanu, Moo 8, an area officials said is home to a significant foreign population. Authorities said the inspections followed intelligence suggesting some businesses may have been operating without the permits required under Thai law.
The first target was Zama Resort at 81/5 Moo 8, operated by Honos Management Co Ltd. Investigators found the business had 23 rooms and shareholders from both Thailand and overseas. Officials filed initial charges relating to operating a hotel without a licence.
The second site, Sritanu Residences Resort at 66/1 Moo 8, was operated by Mudita Koh Phangan Co Ltd and also had Thai and foreign shareholders. Authorities said the business had closed shortly before officers arrived to conduct the inspection and no-one was present at the site.
The third property, Haad Chao Phao Resort at 48/3 Moo 8, operated by Phangan Haad Chao Phao Resort Co Ltd, was found to have eight guest rooms. Police detained some individuals linked to the business over alleged violations of the Hotel Act, while checks on foreign workers were also carried out.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
The fourth location, Samma Karuna Beach and Wellness Resort at 84/13 Moo 8, operated by Samma Karuna Co Ltd, had 12 rooms available for guests. Officials inspected company records and individuals connected to the operation before filing preliminary charges over alleged unlicensed hotel activities.
Authorities said three of the four businesses were found to be operating in breach of the Hotel Act BE 2547. Officers have now seized accounting documents, shareholder records and financial information for further examination as investigators look into possible nominee arrangements involving foreign nationals.
Although some properties were registered under other nationalities, investigators said they had identified Israeli groups using villas and business structures in the area. Officials are also examining whether Thai nationals were being used as proxies to conceal foreign ownership or control of land and tourism businesses on Koh Phangan.
The Daily News reported that the operation was led by officials including Singkham Khamyod from the Department of Provincial Administration, Koh Phangan district chief Paisit Thongjem, Koh Phangan police chief Pol Col Apichat Jansamret and Surat Thani immigration officers. Authorities said the investigation would continue with expanded scrutiny into land ownership, business operations and financial links across the island.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 10 May 2026