SURAT THANI, THAILAND – Authorities on the resort island of Koh Phangan charged 35 individuals and businesses after a large-scale raid targeting alleged violations of immigration, labor and trade regulations.
Coordinated sweep across 25 tourism sites
Under the supervision of Pol. Maj. Gen. Narongrit Dansuwan, deputy commander of the Region 8 police, around 170 officers searched 25 locations on Koh Phangan on 22 January 2026. Investigators from regional and provincial police units, local police, immigration police, tourist police and district administrations took part in the operation.
Officers executed court-approved search warrants at 22 restaurants, a clothing and souvenir shop and two hotels, according to police information. Koh Phangan was regarded as one of the best-known holiday destinations in southern Thailand, drawing mainly international visitors.
Alleged immigration and labor breaches by foreign workers
The investigation focused primarily on alleged breaches of labor and immigration law by foreign workers, police said. A total of seven nationals from Myanmar were accused of working outside the legally permitted scope of their employment.
Another four people from Myanmar allegedly failed to inform the authorities about their employment status within the required 15-day period. A further Myanmar national was investigated on suspicion of illegal entry into Thailand.
In an additional case, officers arrested a suspect who had allegedly sold controlled herbal products, including cannabis, without authorization.
Companies probed over nominee structures
In parallel, authorities opened proceedings against several companies on the island. Five firms were accused of operating businesses without the required permits or of using Thai nationals as nominees to hold shares on behalf of foreign owners.
In three cases, foreign nationals had allegedly worked beyond the limits of their permitted labor rights. Two companies faced allegations of violating provisions of the hotel law.
Unreported foreign staff and prohibited roles
A further eight firms were accused of employing foreign workers in prohibited occupations. In four instances, companies had allegedly failed to register newly hired foreign employees with the relevant labor registries within 15 days.
According to the authorities, these alleged offenses formed part of a broader pattern involving foreign labor and nominee arrangements in the tourism sector on Koh Phangan. The businesses under investigation included restaurants, hotels and retail outlets catering to tourists.
Part of national strategy against cross-border crime
Police framed the raid as a component of a longer-term nationwide strategy. The operations were described as part of a national 2024–2030 plan to prevent and combat cross-border crime.
The strategy focused in particular on illegal foreign workers, the use of Thai nominee holders to acquire land or operate companies for foreigners, and unauthorized activities in major tourist destinations. Authorities said the measures were intended to safeguard public order and protect the economic interests of local communities on islands such as Koh Phangan.
Questions over shadow economy in tourist hotspots
Behind restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops that served visitors, officials pointed to a network of illegal labor, shell companies and exploitation on Thai islands. The report raised questions about how much of this activity was exceptional and how much had become routine in popular tourist areas.
“Do these raids really protect local residents and honest business owners? Or are they only brief flashes in a system that quickly reorganizes itself?”
said KhaoSod English, source.