Tourist police on Koh Phangan have arrested nine people after raiding a hostel allegedly operated illegally by foreign nationals. The operation followed complaints that the venue was disturbing local residents and catering exclusively to Spanish tourists.
Officers from Koh Phangan Tourist Police, local administration and immigration officials inspected The 10 Club Hostel located in Moo 1 on the tourist island in Surat Thani province on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities said they had received reports of foreigners working without permits and running a business under a nominee structure. The hostel was accused of creating a public nuisance, allowing drunken behaviour and serving a single nationality.
Authorities detained nine suspects: one Thai, three Spaniards and five Myanmar nationals. They were charged with working beyond their legal rights and handed over to Koh Phangan police for prosecution.
Officials said the crackdown is part of a wider policy to eliminate illegal foreign-run businesses, nominee arrangements and inappropriate behaviour by foreigners living in Thailand. Authorities warned that such activities damage the country’s image and may involve transnational crime.
The local Tourist Police commander has ordered stations in key destinations to intensify efforts against foreign offenders, pledging strict legal action regardless of nationality to maintain safety and confidence among visitors.