Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed on Wednesday to crack down on illegal nominee businesses and the appropriation of public beaches by hotels on the island of Ko Phangan.
During a visit to Ko Phangan, Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the government was taking seriously the growing problems affecting local residents and tourism operators, particularly the illegal use of Thai nominees by foreigners to run businesses.
“We welcome foreign tourists who come to spend money and travel legally, but we cannot tolerate those who come to take jobs or run businesses illegally. It’s our home.”
The head of government also warned against the private occupation of public beaches, emphasising that no hotel or villa owner has the right to appropriate beachfront land for exclusive use. “Beaches belong to everyone,” he declared.
“People must not allow anyone to seize public land. We must preserve the environment and keep the beaches beautiful and orderly.”
The authorities plan to introduce zoning measures in collaboration with local agencies, including the Forestry Department and the National Parks Department, to ensure fair land use without harming nature. This visit marks Anutin’s first official inspection of Ko Phangan to monitor illegal activities affecting local communities.
He urged residents to report without fear any illicit or damaging behaviour on the island, so that Ko Phangan remains an attractive tourist destination where locals can live decently from the benefits of tourism.