KOH TAO, Surat Thani – Immigration Police in Surat Thani, together with several government agencies, conducted inspections at four targeted locations on Koh Tao following reports of foreign nationals allegedly working illegally. The operation resulted in the arrest of six European diving instructors who were reportedly using Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) status while working as diving instructors without work permits.
Authorities are also investigating the business structures involved, including possible nominee arrangements involving Thai nationals.
Authorities Inspect Four Locations on Koh Tao
On August 20, 2026, Pol. Col. Naru Wat Buddhaviro, Superintendent of the Surat Thani Immigration Office, led a joint operation involving Koh Tao Police Station, Tourist Police, local administrative officials, the Department of Business Development and public health officials.
The authorities inspected four locations on Koh Tao following information concerning possible illegal employment of foreign nationals.
The targeted locations included two diving businesses, one pharmacy and one beauty salon in the Sai Ree Beach area.
Six European Diving Instructors Arrested
At the diving businesses, authorities arrested six foreign nationals working as diving instructors. They consisted of one British national and five Spanish nationals.
According to officials, the six individuals were staying in Thailand under the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). However, authorities alleged that they had been working as diving instructors without valid work permits.
Officials emphasized that diving instruction is a profession involving tourist safety and therefore requires individuals to meet the relevant qualifications and legal requirements.
Authorities Probe Possible Nominee Structure
In addition to taking legal action against the six diving instructors, authorities are also investigating the companies involved.
Company directors could face legal action if they are found to have employed foreign nationals without the required permits.
Authorities are also examining the companies’ shareholding structures to determine whether Thai nationals may have been used as nominees on behalf of foreign investors.
However, the nominee issue remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet concluded that any company involved has violated Thailand’s nominee laws.
Three Myanmar Nationals Also Arrested
The operation also resulted in the arrest of three Myanmar nationals who were allegedly working beyond the scope permitted under their work authorization.
One was reportedly found selling pharmaceutical products and accepting payments at a pharmacy while no pharmacist was present to supervise the business.
Two others were allegedly found providing nail services to foreign customers at a beauty salon, which authorities said exceeded the scope of work permitted under their authorization.
In total, nine foreign nationals were arrested during the latest operation and were handed over to investigators at Koh Tao Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Koh Tao Has Recorded 47 Foreign Worker-Related Arrests This Year
According to Surat Thani Immigration officials, from January 1 to August 19, 2026, authorities had arrested 47 foreign nationals on Koh Tao for various alleged offenses.
The cases included violations related to unauthorized employment, immigration laws, narcotics and other criminal offenses.
Authorities said inspections of businesses involving foreign nationals would continue, particularly in the tourism sector, while further investigations into company ownership and possible nominee arrangements would be carried out.
Key Takeaway
The latest operation on Koh Tao involved inspections at four locations and the arrest of six European diving instructors, including one British national and five Spanish nationals, who authorities alleged were working without the required permits despite holding DTV status.
Another three Myanmar nationals were also arrested for allegedly working outside the scope of their authorization.
Meanwhile, the alleged nominee issue remains under investigation, with authorities yet to establish that any company involved was operating through an illegal nominee structure.
Sources: Daily News, Tnews