Koh Phangan applauds nominee crackdown

Effort needed to upgrade image

PUBLISHED : 6 May 2026 at 06:47

NEWSPAPER SECTION: Business

WRITER: Molpasorn Shoowong

- Small

- Medium

- Large

- 4

Tourism operators on Koh Phangan have urged the government to continue cracking down on illegal businesses run by foreigners, while also improving the tourism image and rolling out further stimulus measures amid growing concerns among tourists resulting in fewer arrivals.

A school on Koh Phangan was recently raided for illegally operating, and most of its students were Israeli nationals. The incident raised concerns about nominee arrangements and illegal businesses on the island, which undermine tourism.

Naruemon Maisopa, president of the Koh Phangan Hotel and Tourism Association, said nominee issues are common in major tourist destinations nationwide.

This persistent problem requires stronger enforcement from authorities, she said.

Koh Phangan's reputation for beaches and natural resources has attracted foreigners who exploit loopholes to extend their stays, said Mrs Naruemon. Some set up businesses that violate the law, such as unlicensed tour companies, car and boat services, and accommodation rentals, employing only foreigners and diverting income from local operators, she said.

Some foreigners exploit the 60-day visa-free scheme to work illegally on the island, said Mrs Naruemon, urging the government to reduce the 60-day offer to curb illicit activities.

"These problems would not occur if the responsible agencies took firm action and enforced the law seriously from the start," she said.

Tourism operators have been working with stakeholders including Israeli officials, the Interior Ministry and security agencies, urging Israeli tourists to behave responsibly and comply with local laws.

The tourists have been asked to refrain from cannabis use, excessive noise and illegal work, and to respect local culture as visitor numbers have surged in recent years.

Mrs Naruemon said these issues have deterred tourists from other markets from visiting the island, while discouraging potential investors willing to operate legally, even though local businesses are ready to welcome visitors from all markets on an equal basis.

She said the island is home to a diverse heritage, with Buddhist temples, mosques and Chabad houses.

In addition to stricter enforcement, the government should invest more to promote tourism on the island, particularly skilled long‑stay travellers who can contribute to development and share knowledge with local communities, said Mrs Naruemon.

Koh Phangan faces a severe low season, worsened by the Middle East crisis, which has driven up operating costs and reduced arrivals due to high airfares, she said.

Hotels in some areas expect occupancy rates to fall below 40% this month, while the Full Moon Party scheduled for next month is likely to record a sharp decrease in attendance, said Mrs Naruemon.

Regarding the government's Land Bridge project, she said she supported the plan but it needs to minimise environmental impacts and design ports and logistics systems that can support tourism.

Subscribe to our newsletters for daily updates, breaking news and exclusive content.

- KEYWORDS

- Koh phangan

- Thailand tourism

- Nominee business crackdown

- Thailand visa regulations

- Koh phangan hotel and tourism association

- Illegal business operations

- Thailand tourism enforcement