Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Provincial police in Surat Thani have carried out coordinated raids at 25 locations across the resort island of Koh Phangan, charging 35 people and companies over alleged immigration, labour and nominee business offences. Authorities said the operation targeted restaurants, shops and hotels, with arrests and charges brought against both individuals and corporate entities. Officials said the action was intended to curb illegal activity in a key tourist destination and protect local economic interests.

The raids took place on 22 January 2026 under the supervision of senior police and provincial officials, with Pol. Maj. Gen. Narongrit Dansuwan, deputy commissioner of Region 8 Police, presiding over the launch. Around 170 officers participated, drawn from regional and provincial investigation units, local police, immigration police, tourist police and district administrators. Court-approved search warrants were executed at 22 restaurants, one clothing and souvenir shop and two hotels across the island.

Police said those charged included seven Myanmar nationals accused of working outside the scope permitted by law, four Myanmar nationals accused of failing to notify authorities of their employment status within 15 days, and one Myanmar national accused of entering the country illegally. One suspect was also arrested for selling controlled herbal products, including cannabis, without permission. In addition, authorities brought cases against several companies for alleged regulatory and labour violations.

Five firms were accused of operating businesses without permission or using Thai nationals as nominees to hold shares on behalf of foreigners, police said. Three cases involved foreign nationals allegedly working beyond their legal rights, while two companies were charged under the Hotel Act. A further eight companies were accused of employing foreign workers in prohibited roles and four were charged with failing to notify labour registrars of foreign hires within the required 15-day period.

Authorities said the operation formed part of a national plan for 2024–2030 aimed at preventing and suppressing transnational crime. The plan focuses on tackling illegal foreign labour, the use of Thai nominees to hold land or operate businesses, and unlicensed work in major tourist areas. Officials said these measures are intended to maintain public order and safeguard local livelihoods in destinations that attract large numbers of foreign visitors.

Khoasod reported that police indicated that investigations would continue following the raids, with legal proceedings to move forward against those charged. Relevant agencies are expected to coordinate on enforcement and compliance checks in other areas, particularly in popular tourist locations. Authorities said further operations could be carried out in line with the national strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Police raided 25 sites on Koh Phangan on 22 January 2026, charging 35 people and companies.

• Offences included illegal work, immigration breaches, nominee business practices and hotel law violations.

• The operation is part of a national 2024–2030 plan targeting transnational crime and illegal labour.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-23

 

 

Literally pick any island and walk into and fancy restaurant and you can bet it's owned through nominees 🙄🙈

Officials said the action was intended to curb illegal activity in a key tourist destination and protect local economic interests.

Let foreigners set-up a business, get it running, then arrest them.

Let the Thai nationals take over?

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Officials said the action was intended to curb illegal activity in a key tourist destination and protect local economic interests.

Let foreigners set-up a business, get it running, then arrest them.

Let the Thai nationals take over?

Nailed it

Israeli " business men"?