KOH SAMUI – An Italian national has been apprehended on Koh Samui for conducting professional sports coaching without a valid work permit, marking another case in Thailand’s intensified campaign against illegal foreign labor. The 30-year-old man, identified only as Mr. G., was taken into custody on October 28, 2025, while leading tennis and padel sessions at a sports facility in Bo Phut subdistrict.

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Pol Col Naruvat Phutthawirot of Samui Immigration confirmed that the suspect was found actively coaching foreign clients while holding only a tourist visa, which expressly prohibits any form of employment. The investigation began after authorities received tips from the public indicating that the Italian was offering coaching services at rates lower than those of licensed Thai instructors.

Officers monitoring his WhatsApp communications found the Italian tourist was charging around 600 baht ($18) per hour, with clients paying through the facility. #coach #kohsamui #thailand https://t.co/qVGuUx6VlI

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 28, 2025

During the operation, officers reviewed Mr. G.’s WhatsApp communications and discovered evidence that he was charging approximately 600 baht per hour for lessons, with payments processed through the sports center. When confronted at the facility, the Italian national admitted to working as a freelance coach without proper authorization. He was subsequently charged with violating work permit regulations and transferred to Bo Phut Police Station for legal processing.

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The arrest forms part of a broader national initiative spearheaded by National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Panpetch to identify foreigners working illegally or conducting unauthorized business activities across Thailand. The campaign particularly focuses on popular tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, aiming to protect local workers, ensure fair market competition, and uphold immigration laws. Authorities have not yet determined whether the sports center that hosted Mr. G.’s activities will face penalties, but additional inspections are planned to identify other foreigners potentially working without proper documentation on the island.

-Thailand News (TN)