Bangkok– Thailand’s Ministry of the Interior has rolled out an expanded security operation targeting influential criminal networks and illegal activities in the country’s prime tourism areas like Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pai, Hua Hin, and Pattaya in direct response to orders from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit Liangprasit outlined the ministry’s enforcement strategy, stating that operations will not be limited to Phuket but will cover all problematic zones, with priority given to key southern tourism provinces including Surat Thani (home to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), Krabi, and Phang Nga.
The initiative stems from Prime Minister Anutin’s recent field visit to Phuket, where he personally inspected sites such as Bang Tao Beach and Freedom Beach. There, he encountered evidence of long-standing issues including beach encroachment, extortion rackets charging tourists for access to public beaches, illegal construction of villas on protected land, and intimidation of local businesses by so-called “influential figures.” Anutin notably referred to these groups as “กุ๊ย” (thugs or petty gangsters) vowing zero tolerance and declaring that Phuket would serve as a model for nationwide reform.
In response, the government has implemented personnel adjustments in local administration to facilitate the creation of a dedicated task force. The Ministry of Interior has expressed strong confidence that the new management structure will stabilize the situation. Deputy Minister Worasit warned that any state officials found complicit with or shielding these influential networks would face swift and severe disciplinary action, including potential prosecution, once misconduct is verified.
“No fixed deadline has been set for the operation,” Worasit stated, “but the core objective is to deliver measurable results as rapidly as possible.” Beyond executive actions, multiple legislative committees are now prioritizing the issue and preparing independent on-site inspections.
Broader Context and Recent Examples
The crackdown builds on earlier high-profile operations, such as the 2024 “Operation Nominee Sweep” in Phuket led by the Central Investigation Bureau. That effort resulted in the arrest of over 230 suspects, including 98 foreign nationals, mostly Russians, and the seizure of assets worth more than 1.5 billion baht linked to illegal nominee businesses that circumvented foreign ownership restrictions.
More recently, authorities have uncovered thousands of suspect companies on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, many believed to be using Thai nominees to mask foreign control of tourism-related businesses. Similar probes are expanding to Krabi, Phang Nga, and other tourist hubs like Pattaya.
Common issues include:
– Illegal beachfront encroachments and private operators charging entrance fees to public beaches.
– Unlicensed accommodations and businesses.
– Extortion and intimidation of legitimate Thai tourism operators.
– Foreign-linked shell companies in sectors ranging from hospitality to cannabis farms.
The government wants to transform the “Phuket Model”, combining land reclamation, stricter licensing, and anti-corruption measures, into a template for sustainable tourism across the Andaman coast and beyond, ultimately restoring public confidence and ensuring tourism revenue benefits local communities rather than foreign or criminal networks.
This renewed push shows the Thai government’s determination to address long-standing complaints from residents and legitimate businesses about criminal and foreign influence undermining the country’s multi-billion-baht tourism industry.
