Thai PM to visit Samui and Phangan over illegal foreign business concerns
Surat Thani – Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is going to visit Koh Samui and Koh Phangan to oversee efforts set at resolving issues related to foreign business operations in the region…
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Koh Samui and Koh Phangan on May 12, 2026, to oversee action against illegal foreign business operations in the islands, officials said. The trip comes amid scrutiny of businesses allegedly using nominee structures and concerns in southern tourism hubs linked to foreign operators, with Phuket facing similar pressure over regulation and tourism conduct.
A key stop is a meeting at the Koh Phangan District Community Hall, where Anutin is due to meet local officials and Thai business owners. The discussion will focus on problems tied to illegally run foreign-owned enterprises and their effect on island economies.
Oversight push widens to tourism conduct and visa misuse
The visit forms part of a broader government push to tighten regulatory oversight, support sustainable tourism and protect economic stability in island districts. Officials have framed the effort as an attempt to balance foreign investment with community interests in high-traffic destinations.
On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, ordered authorities to strictly enforce laws against inappropriate tourist behaviour. He specifically cited public indecency, including cases involving foreigners engaging in sexual acts, saying such incidents harm Thailand’s reputation and cultural values.
Surat Thani Governor Chumphon Wannachatsiri has also announced urgent measures targeting foreign nationals allegedly living illegally and working long-term on Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Those measures followed widespread reports that Israeli and Russian citizens were misusing tourist visas to work and take part in inappropriate activities.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/12/thai-prime-minister-to-visit-koh-samui-and-koh-phangan/
