Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Tourist police on Koh Phangan have arrested twelve people, including three Spanish men, an Argentinian and Pole, during coordinated raids on two unlicensed hostels operating illegally on the popular resort island. The operation targeted establishments suspected of flouting hotel licensing laws, hiring foreign workers illegally and disturbing nearby residents with noise and unauthorized business expansion.

 

The raids, carried out on 28 October 2025, were led by Pol Lt Col Winich Boonchit, Inspector of Tourist Police Station 5, in cooperation with Surat Thani Immigration, local police, and district authorities. Officials first raided The 10 Club Hostel in Moo 1, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, following complaints about excessive noise, illegal operations, and the employment of foreign workers without proper permits. The venue was allegedly managed by a 37-year-old Spanish man named Samuel and a 34-year-old Thai woman, Kiitporn, who were charged with jointly operating an unlicensed hotel.

 

Samuel also faces additional charges for employing foreigners beyond their permitted work scope, hiring foreigners without work permits, and failing to notify authorities of employment within the required timeframe. A 31-year-old Spanish national, Adrian, was charged with working outside his authorized duties as a clerk, while another Spanish citizen, Sergio, aged 30, was accused of working without a permit. Five Myanmar workers, aged between 24 and 42, were charged with breaching labour and immigration laws, including failing to report their employment within 15 days.

 

A second raid took place later the same day at Kiko Hostel, located at 99/78 Moo 1, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, where officers arrested three more suspects. Phakorn, a 31-year-old Thai national, was accused of operating an unlicensed hotel and employing foreigners illegally. Two foreign staff members, Natacha, 28, from Argentina, and Kornelia, 21, from Poland, were also arrested for working without valid work permits.

 

All twelve suspects were transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities said the coordinated operation highlights ongoing efforts to regulate Thailand’s tourism sector and enforce laws against unlicensed accommodation providers. Officials emphasized that unregistered hostels and illegal employment practices undermine the country’s tourism standards and fair business competition.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Twelve people, including three Spaniards, an Argentinian and Pole, were arrested in raids on unlicensed hostels in Koh Phangan.

• Authorities uncovered illegal hotel operations, unauthorized foreign workers, and nominee ownership structures.

• The raids reflect Thailand’s continued crackdown on unregistered tourism businesses and labour violations.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Khaosod 2025-10-30

 

 

 

 

No mention of the nationalities of the magnificent seven.

In most countries hotels and hostels are visited and inspected on an almost daily basis to check registers properly record guests and employ licensed workers. Certainly used to happen in Spain.

 

Like so many things here, looks like it is left to crackdowns to manage the problem, maybe after “licence fees” not being properly processed. 

So it appears to be a Spanish guy with a Thai partner running the hostel. Why not just do this officially and hire Thais/Burmese and forget about hiring the other foreigners? Also, if they were unlicensed, how did Adrian have a work permit for being a clerk? 

 

 

4 hours ago, Rocky Sullivan said:

No mention of the nationalities of the magnificent seven.

3 Spaniards, 1 Argentinian, 1 Pole, 2 Thai, 5 Burmese are listed in the article

A lot of businesses on these holiday islands are illegal one way or another...

 

Put the cleaners through these illegal operations and deport the Perpetrators. This Would give Opportunity for local Thai people To commence a business. While bribes and underhanded payments are going out To various authorities, it will keep going

2 hours ago, ryandb said:

So it appears to be a Spanish guy with a Thai partner running the hostel. Why not just do this officially and hire Thais/Burmese and forget about hiring the other foreigners? Also, if they were unlicensed, how did Adrian have a work permit for being a clerk? 

 

 

Flying under the radar to avoid paying relevant taxes and monthly coffee money to authorities. Maybe coffee money part already done so no need licenses.

They blew it for themselves. Start upsetting the locals with excessive noise and complaints will ensue, bringing unwanted attention to their casa and the inevitable investigation that ensures that their business ceases to exist along with getting a police record, immigration’s involvement and the possibility of a jail term. Obviously not as smart as they thought they were.

8 hours ago, Ctkong said:

Flying under the radar to avoid paying relevant taxes and monthly coffee money to authorities. Maybe coffee money part already done so no need licenses.

 

Yes true, but going back to ryandb's post, so why does the Adrian guy even need a work permit and how did he get it when they had no license?  

 

ryandb: "Also, if they were unlicensed, how did Adrian have a work permit for being a clerk? "  

 

 

 

There will be nobody left on that Island soon, The jungle will take over,