KOH PHANGAN – A coordinated enforcement operation led by Surat Thani Immigration police resulted in the arrest of eight foreign nationals for illegally operating hotels and businesses on this popular island. The October 15 raid targeted three separate establishments run by foreigners without proper licenses or in violation of business registration requirements.

Lebanese National Re-Arrested for Operating Illegal Rental Business on Koh Phangan

According to the Superintendent of Surat Thani Immigration, the operation was conducted under the directive of the provincial governor and immigration command to address increasing concerns about foreign nationals engaging in unauthorized business activities. The joint task force, comprising immigration, district, tourist police, and administrative officers, investigated three business sites during the operation.

FRENCH, GERMAN, ISRAELI NATIONALS ARRESTED IN KOH PHANGAN BUSINESS CRACKDOWN

KOH PHANGAN — Thai Authorities have arrested at least eight foreign nationals for illegally operating hotels and restaurants on Koh Phangan, targeting suspected nominee arrangements where foreigners use… pic.twitter.com/w0GZX0nSo9

— Pure Guava (@pureguava10300) October 16, 2025

A 40-year-old French national was apprehended for operating a hotel without the necessary permits. A second case involved a 60-year-old Israeli man managing a hotel under a company name that no longer reflected the actual ownership structure, with authorities instructing him to regularize the situation through legal channels. The third establishment, a restaurant run by two German nationals, was found to be employing exclusively foreign workers with no Thai staff, in violation of regulations. The eight arrested individuals, comprising nationals from Israel, Germany, France, and Myanmar, have been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal processing.

Four Israeli Men Arrested at Drug-Fueled Villa Party on Koh Phangan

The Immigration Bureau Commissioner confirmed the operation is part of a nationwide initiative to combat illegal foreign business ownership, nominee arrangements, and improper real estate transactions. Officials emphasized that the enforcement campaign aims to ensure fairness in the business environment, protect local employment opportunities, and maintain Koh Phangan as a secure and regulated destination for both tourism and investment.

-Thailand News (TN)