Immigration police and local authorities on Monday arrested five foreign nationals in a crackdown on illegal business operations on Koh Phangan.
The arrests were made during a search of a resort following a tip-off that it was operating illegally. Authorities found the property offered daily accommodation in 11 villas, charging between 2,000 and 4,000 baht per night, and also provided restaurant and fitness services.
A 32-year-old French man, listed as a company director, was unable to produce a hotel operating licence. Four Myanmar nationals were found working without proper work documents.
The Frenchman was charged with operating a hotel without a licence, employing foreign workers beyond their permitted scope of work, and failing to notify authorities of foreign employees within the required 15-day period.
The four Myanmar workers were charged with failing to notify authorities of their employment and working outside their permitted occupations.
Immigration Bureau police said the crackdown was aimed at protecting Thailand’s tourism image and ensuring a fair business environment.
