Foreigners nabbed in raids on illegal hotels on Koh Phangan

RAIDS on two unlicensed hotels at popular Koh Phangan island today (Oct. 18) led to the arrest of three Israelis, four Myanmar workers and two Thais involved in the illegal business, Naewna newspaper said.

Acting in line with the order of Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak, commander of the Immigration Bureau, a team of Surat Thani Immigration, Tourist and local police raided the two hotels to stamp out illegal businesses as they negatively impact the country’s economy and tourism image.

At Arcana Koh Phangan Hotel the police team arrested Mr. Guy (surname withheld), from Israel, and Mr. Suwichanon, a Thai national, who are the company’s directors, on charges of “operating a hotel without a licence.” Also arrested were Mr. Sean, from Israel, the hotel’s manager, for “working beyond authorisation’” as well as two Myanmar citizens for illegally working in the country.

At Blessings Home and Cafe two Myanmar citizens were found to be working in jobs prohibited for foreigners, that is cashier at the bar and selling coffee, and were charged with working beyond authorisation.

Their employer, Mr. Panupong, a Thai, was also arrested and charged with allowing foreigners to work beyond what they are authorised to do.

Furthermore, charges were also filed against Ms. Yara, from Israel, the hotel’s real owner and director, for “operating a hotel without a licence.”

Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas said police will be continuing their crackdown for the safety of the public and tourists. Members of the public can report any wrongdoing by foreigners at the hotline 1178 or the Surat Thani Immigration Office at 077-423440, all 24 hours a day.

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Arrests at two illegal hotels on Koh Phangan today, Oct.18, 2025. Photos – Naewna