Five African women arrested in raids on Thai island for 'overstaying visas'
Five African women were arrested in raids for allegedly overstaying their visas in Thailand.
The women had allegedly been working as prostitutes, approaching tourists to offer sexual services in the Chaweng Beach area of Koh Samui island.
Police launched an investigation following a complaint that the group were reportedly harassing visitors.
Officers traced the women to a hotel near the popular beach, where nine African women were found staying together.
Five of them - three Ugandan nationals and two Tanzanian nationals aged between 31 and 37 - were found to have overstayed their visas between 105 and 799 days.
The three Ugandan women were identified as Barbra Kemirembe, 32, Trassy Tukamuhebwa, 37, and Anitah Akankwasa, 32, while the two Tanzanian suspects were Dora Swala, 31, and Prisca Ngowi, 33.
All five allegedly admitted to overstaying and were handed over to the Bo Phut Police Station for further legal action.
During questioning, the women claimed they had entered Thailand on tourist visas after being encouraged by a foreign woman to seek work as English-speaking teachers.
They said their visas expired before they could secure teaching jobs, and reportedly turned to prostitution to cover their living expenses.
Police Colonel Charoenphong Khantilo, spokesman for Immigration Division 6, said the arrests were part of tighter measures against foreigners involved in illegal activities like unauthorised work, overstaying, and using Thai nominees for businesses.
He said: ‘Following this arrest, the commander of Immigration Division 6 ordered officers to expand the investigation and expedite inquiries into other foreign nationals who may be subject to Interpol arrest warrants or have overstayed their permitted duration of stay in Thailand.
‘Additionally, he ordered officers to step up inspections in the area to maintain public order, ensure tourist safety and strengthen the positive image of tourist destinations in Surat Thani.'
