Surat Thani orders crackdown on foreign visa and work violations on islands

Surat Thani Governor Chumphon Wannachatsiri on May 9 ordered a crackdown on foreign law violations on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao after reports that some Israeli and Russian nationals were misusing tourist visas to live and work long term. The move, closely watched in Phuket and other tourism hubs, targets illegal residency, unauthorized employment and activities officials said were inappropriate.

The governor said the situation could damage Surat Thani’s tourism image, disrupt public order and affect community life on the three islands. He said authorities are also examining the scale of foreign residency linked to the complaints.

Multi-agency enforcement targets nominee businesses

Chumphon said immigration police, provincial employment offices and security agencies have been assigned to act together for faster enforcement. The campaign also focuses on illegal business operations, particularly companies suspected of using Thai nominees to conceal foreign control.

Officials said recent operations have already produced several cases now under prosecution. The announcement followed broader political pressure after a Thai lawmaker warned that weak oversight on Koh Phangan could raise sovereignty concerns.

The province is also preparing longer-term measures aimed at maintaining order and protecting Surat Thani’s standing as a major tourism destination. Chumphon called on residents and business operators to report suspected violations through official complaint channels, saying public participation is essential to safeguard peace and strengthen confidence in the tourism industry.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/09/surat-thani-governor-tightens-measures-against-foreign-law-violations-on-tourist-islands/