Nine foreign nationals arrested in Koh Tao illegal work crackdown

Nine foreign nationals were arrested on Koh Tao, Surat Thani, on 20 August during a crackdown on alleged violations of Thailand’s foreign employment and immigration laws, according to The Thaiger.

Six of the suspects were foreign diving instructors allegedly working without permits at two diving businesses. They included British national Adam and five Spanish nationals identified as Xabier, Pablo, Paulina, Sandra and Nuria.

All six held Destination Thailand Visas (DTVs), but were accused of taking paid work as diving instructors without work permits. Officials also took action against directors of the companies that employed them and planned to examine financial transactions as part of an investigation into possible nominee arrangements.

Surat Thani Immigration conducted the inspections with Koh Tao Police and other government agencies after information was found on social media and complaints were received from tourists.

At a pharmacy, officers arrested Myanmar national Sa Chi Lin, who was allegedly selling modern medicines and collecting payments without a pharmacist supervising the shop. She was accused of working outside the scope of her permitted employment.

Two other Myanmar nationals, Zin Zin Myo and Tin Tin Wai, were arrested at a beauty salon in the Sairee Beach area. Their documents permitted them to work as labourers, but officers allegedly found them providing nail and beauty services, occupations reserved for Thai nationals.

Khaosod reported that all nine suspects were transferred to Koh Tao Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Surat Thani Immigration chief Police Colonel Naruwat Phutthawiro said 47 foreign nationals had been arrested on the island between 1 January and 19 August for offences involving foreign employment and immigration laws, drugs and other criminal offences.