Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakun has ordered a sweeping crackdown on criminal networks and illegal activities on Thailand’s major tourist islands following a series of safety incidents involving foreign visitors. Get today's headlines by email Speaking on 4 June, Surasak said the ministry would coordinate with local authorities, tourism police and other agencies to arrest offenders and strictly enforce the law in key tourism destinations, including Koh Samui and Koh Samet. The measures are aimed at improving visitor safety and maintaining confidence in Thailand’s tourism sector after several violent incidents involving foreign tourists, including a recent assault on a Japanese visitor. The minister said authorities would carry out extensive inspections of businesses operating on tourist islands, including shops, restaurants, hotels and public transport operators. The campaign is intended to eliminate mafia-style control and illegal activities, particularly in southern tourism areas. Surasak warned that any government officials found to have facilitated, ignored or been involved in criminal activity would face legal action. The crackdown also targets nominee businesses and foreign nationals who overstay their visas. The initiative follows the government’s tougher security policy led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun. The Interior Ministry and Commerce Ministry will expand investigations into nominee business operations, including cases similar to entertainment venues in Pattaya, to prevent foreigners from exploiting Thailand and transferring profits overseas. Tourism police have been instructed to strengthen security measures and increase monitoring of foreign visitors. Authorities are considering the use of technology to help screen visitors, detect visa overstays and ensure compliance with visa conditions and permitted lengths of stay. Surasak also confirmed he had recently met with Zhang Jianwei, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand. He said the Chinese embassy had expressed its willingness to cooperate in screening and supervising Chinese nationals to support the goal of attracting quality tourists while protecting the image of both countries. The latest measures come amid growing pressure on authorities to address safety concerns in popular tourist destinations. Recent inspections in Pattaya uncovered entertainment venues operating without proper licences and businesses allegedly using Thai nominees, reinforcing calls for stricter enforcement and greater scrutiny of tourism-related operations. “When problems arise, we will move quickly to address them. Individuals who break the law will be prosecuted, while business operators that fail to maintain safety standards or contribute to harmful incidents will be required to correct deficiencies immediately,” Surasak said. He added: “It is time to take safety control seriously. If an ordinary person commits an offence, they must be arrested immediately. But if an operator is negligent and causes losses, they must be ordered to correct the problem in line with the law as quickly as possible.” Khaosod reported that authorities are expected to continue inspections and enforcement operations across major tourist destinations in the coming weeks, focusing on crime prevention, business compliance and visitor safety. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 5 June 2026
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