The operation followed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s directive to tighten control and supervision of foreigners residing or conducting business in Thailand, and to take action against those engaging in unlawful or inappropriate activities that may harm public order or the country’s image, Phuket Immigration reported.
Phuket Immigration Chief Pol Col Kriangkrai Ariyaying led the local operation, supported by Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Wisarut La-iat-ong and investigative teams from Immigration Bureau Region 6.
The raids were conducted in coordination with the Phuket Provincial Police, Provincial Police Region 8, the Crime Suppression Division, Patong Police, Tourist Police and Phuket Provincial Administrative officers.
The operation was launched following complaints received by Phuket Immigration about groups of foreigners ‒ particularly along Phra Barami Rd and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd ‒ operating businesses believed to be in violation of Thai law.
Investigations produced sufficient evidence to secure a search warrant from the Phuket Provincial Court, No. 242/68, dated Oct 22.
At 12:30pm, officers inspected five businesses comprising motorcycle rental outlets, travel agencies, barber shops and restaurants. The searches uncovered several suspected breaches of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), explained Phuket Immigration in its report.
At one location, a male Israeli national identified himself as the owner and manager of a business operating motorcycle rentals, tour services and a barbershop. Although the Thai and Myanmar employees were found to be legally employed, officers determined that the business fell under “service businesses” restricted to Thai nationals under List 3 of the Act.
Documents and 66 motorcycles were seized as evidence, and the case was referred to Patong Police Station for further legal action.
Officers also inspected two nearby restaurants believed to be owned and operated by foreign nationals. In one case, an Israeli man admitted to managing the restaurant, handling sales, and receiving payments himself. Business registration and tax documents were seized for investigation to determine whether nominee structures were being used to conceal foreign control.
In total, five establishments were inspected: a motorcycle rental business on Phra Barami Rd; a tour service business on Phra Barami Rd; a barbershop on Phra Barami Rd; a restaurant on Phra Barami Rd; and a restaurant on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd.
Initial findings indicate that four of the five businesses are likely in breach of Thai law, while one remains under investigation, officials noted.
Phuket Immigration confirmed that the evidence collected will be submitted for prosecution and that all individuals involved, regardless of nationality, will face legal action as warranted.
Phuket Immigration reiterated that the operation forms part of ongoing national efforts to prevent illegal foreign business operations and ensure that tourism-related enterprises in Phuket comply fully with Thai law.