KOH PHANGAN – Tourist police and immigration officials have raided a hostel on Koh Phangan, arresting nine individuals in connection with operating an illegal business. The operation targeted The 10 Club Hostel in Moo 1 of the popular tourist island on Tuesday afternoon.

Immigration Police Crack Down on Illegally Operated Hotels on Koh Phangan

Authorities acted on reports alleging multiple violations, including foreigners working without permits and operating through a nominee structure. The establishment faced additional accusations of creating public disturbances by permitting drunken behavior and reportedly restricting clientele exclusively to Spanish nationals.

The raid resulted in the detention of three Spanish nationals, one Thai citizen, and five Myanmar workers. The crackdown forms part of a broader national campaign against illegal foreign-operated businesses and nominee arrangements that violate Thai business ownership laws.

Tourist police raided two unlicensed hotels on the resort island of Koh Phangan on Tuesday, arresting 12 people including three Spanish nationals, two Thai citizens, an Argentine, a Polish woman, and five Myanmar workers.https://t.co/NcJ1pwGTpS

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) October 30, 2025

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Officials emphasized that such operations damage Thailand’s tourism image and potentially facilitate transnational criminal activities. The action underscores the government’s intensified efforts to regulate foreign business operations and maintain order in popular tourist destinations.

-Thailand News (TN)