KO PHA-NGAN, THAILAND – Police on the popular holiday island closed two illegal hotels and arrested five people in a pre-New Year crackdown on unlicensed accommodation.
Island raid targets unlicensed hotels
The operation on 7 December had been ordered from the highest level, with Police Lieutenant General Sithichai Lokkanpai, commander of Police Region 8, issuing the directive. A large contingent from the provincial police, immigration authorities and local officials searched two properties in Moo 1, Ban Tai. Both houses were found to be operating as hotels without any business licence, in clear violation of Thai law.
Five suspects detained over hotel and labour offences
Police detained three women: a 44-year-old Latvian identified as Miss Dace, and two Thai nationals, Ms. Ni (45) and Ms. Phet (33). They were accused of jointly running a hotel business without authorisation. Two men from Myanmar, Mr. Zwe (35) and Mr. Myint (35), were also taken into custody on suspicion of working without registering a change of employer, and all five were taken to Ko Pha-ngan police station.
Part of wider campaign against nominee schemes
Authorities stated that the raid formed part of a broader campaign addressing foreigners perceived as taking jobs from Thais and targeting nominee arrangements. In many cases, Thai front figures are used while foreign investors pull the strings in the background.
“We had to maintain order and uphold safety standards ahead of the New Year celebrations,”
said a police spokesman.
Provincial police tighten holiday oversight
Police Major General Suwat Suksri, chief of the Surat Thani provincial police, instructed all station heads to step up supervision during the festive period. Cooperation between immigration police and local administrations was to be strengthened in order to identify illegal accommodation. Officials said the Immigration Act and regulations on foreign workers would be enforced rigorously, in line with the policy of the national police chief.
More checks planned in key tourist areas
Police announced that this was only the beginning and that checks in key tourist areas would be intensified in the coming weeks. Further inspections, checkpoints and inter-agency operations were planned, with a focus on security during the New Year festival. For the five detainees, the legal process had begun, and investigators and the courts would determine their fate.
Implications for tourists on Ko Pha-ngan
Officials said the action was positive for visitors, who were expected to stay in legal, safe and regulated accommodation. Illegal hotels often evade fire safety and other security rules, posing a significant risk. Tourists booking on Ko Pha-ngan were advised to look for official licences, as police moved to remove non-compliant operators from the market.