KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND – Thai police launched coordinated raids across Koh Phangan this week, arresting nine foreign nationals for alleged drug use, visa overstays, and unauthorized work.
Yoga Teacher Arrested in Thong Sala
On 5 November 2025, Tourist Police officers at the Ethos Restaurant in central Thong Sala arrested Maria, a 40-year-old British national, for operating a tantric yoga class without a valid permit. The course charged 400 baht per person, and her work permit listed her as a client relations manager for Genesis Commercial Co., Ltd., not an instructor. Officers confiscated printed flyers, notebooks, and posters as evidence.
Police records indicated the probe began after a Facebook complaint about “Tantra Yoga – Sacred Sexuality” sessions promoted under the name Maria Sky. When police arrived, Maria was leading a group of foreigners in yoga practices. Authorities said she admitted to teaching and sharing proceeds with the restaurant. She was taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for processing under the Emergency Decree on Foreign Employment Management.
Drug Raids in Moo 1
Later that day, officers disguised as joggers raided a rented house in Moo 1, discovering Roman, 26, from Russia, and Hugo, 28, from France, allegedly in possession of 3.14 grams of cocaine and an ecstasy test kit. Both were detained while attempting to flee. Roman faced charges for possession, and Hugo faced charges for consumption after testing positive. Both were transferred for interrogation, and forensic investigators began tracing drug suppliers on the island.
Visa Overstay Near Phantip Market
The Immigration Bureau arrested Yegor, a 34-year-old Ukrainian, on 4 November 2025 near Phantip Market in Ban Thong Sala for overstaying his visa by 326 days. Officers confirmed his last entry into Thailand via Satun Province in October 2024. Yegor admitted to remaining illegally and now faces prosecution and deportation.
Raids on French-Owned Villa Projects
On 7 November 2025, police, immigration, and district officials conducted simultaneous searches at four properties linked to French-managed villa developments in Koh Phangan. Records showed nightly rental rates between 5,000 and 15,000 baht and annual operations worth approximately 200 million baht.
Investigators found extensive accounting documents and suspect that nominee structures were used to hide foreign ownership. Two French directors and three Thai employees were questioned. The seized materials were transferred for forensic review.
Illegal Construction Work in Si Thanu
On 8 November 2025, Tourist Police detained Viacheslav, 29, from Ukraine, and Ramis, 26, from Azerbaijan, for performing electrical work without permits in Moo 8, Si Thanu Village. Officers observed the pair transporting materials in a white Ford Ranger and later found 14 rolls of conduit, 40 junction boxes, and 100 pipes on site. A Thai foreman confirmed the men were hired contractors responsible for wiring and decoration.
Both confessed to unlicensed contracting and were charged with operating a business and working without valid authorization. They were sent to Koh Phangan Police Station for further prosecution.
Ongoing Enforcement Campaign
According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Puek-am, Tourist Police Commissioner, more inspections would follow across Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao:
“Inspections will intensify across the islands to eliminate unlicensed foreign workers in professions reserved for Thai citizens.”
said Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Puek-am, Tourist Police Commissioner
Records from the Royal Thai Police confirmed over 300 work permit checks since mid-2025, with approximately 15% resulting in arrests or administrative fines. Evidence collected across all cases, including documents, promotional materials, and computers, was sent to a central analysis center in Surat Thani Province.
Authorities stated that several defended cases will proceed to trial, with deportations to follow upon sentencing. Immigration officers plan continued screening of long-term residents, targeting visa overstayers, unlicensed hotels, and unregistered businesses.