British and Spanish dive instructors arrested on Thai island for working illegally
A British man and five Spanish nationals have been arrested on a Thai island for allegedly working illegally as unlicensed diving instructors.
The six suspects were reportedly employed at two diving companies on Koh Tao island when officers raided the businesses on August 20.
Surat Thani Immigration staff arrested British tourist Adam, 35, and Spanish nationals identified as Xabier, Pablo, Paulina, Sandra and Nuria.
Authorities said the six had used digital nomad visas to work as diving instructors without the required licences or work permits.
The raid followed tip-offs from nearby businesses about alleged illegal activity that could affect tourism and safety standards on the island.
Charges were filed against the six, while authorities expanded their investigation to determine whether the company directors had illegally employed foreign workers.
Officials also planned to investigate whether the companies were using a nominee shareholding structure to circumvent Thai ownership rules.
In a separate raid, three Burmese nationals were arrested over allegedly working at pharmacies and nail salons illegally.
Police said all nine suspects were handed over to the Koh Tao Police Station for further legal action.
Police Colonel Naruwat Phuttawiro, superintendent of Chonburi Immigration, said: 'This operation follows the strict policy of the Immigration Bureau to prevent foreign workers from encroaching on Thai occupations, especially skilled trades.
‘Since the beginning of this year, from January 1 to August 19, we have arrested a total of 47 law offenders in the Koh Tao area.'
Under Thailand's Foreign Employment Act, tourists are banned from working in dozens of occupations including tour guiding, labour work, agriculture, and hairdressing. They are also prohibited from working in the country without a valid permit.
Violators may be fined 5,000 to 50,000 THB and may face deportation to their home country. They will also be banned from seeking a Thai work permit for two years.
While Thai employers may be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per illegal employee. Repeat violators face up to one year in jail, a steeper fine of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per illegal worker, and a three-year ban from hiring foreigners.
