The arrest followed complaints from residents and local business owners that foreign vendors were peddling goods without authorisation, affecting the island’s tourism image and undermining Thai traders operating legally.
Acting on the complaints, officers from Phuket Immigration, led by Col Kriangkrai Ariyaying, in coordination with Phuket Tourist Police, conducted a search along the beach.
They apprehended the man, named by police as ‘Mr Samnang’, who was selling various brands of sunglasses. More than 20 pairs were seized as evidence.
Police said Samnang was permitted to stay in Thailand as a labourer but was not authorised to work as a street vendor. He was charged with working without a permit under the Royal Decree on the Management of Alien Employment B.E. 2560.
He was handed over to Patong Police for further legal action.
Phuket Immigration reiterated its commitment to enforcing laws against foreigners working illegally, protecting tourism operators and ensuring the safety and confidence of visitors.