On 17 August 2026, Thai authorities inspected 12 tourism businesses on Koh Tao and sanctioned two of them for breaching rules on foreign directors and licences.
The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the tourist police, immigration, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports as well as the Department of Business Development, carried out an operation on Koh Tao. Twelve companies operating in the tourism sector were inspected.
Two breaches were identified. In the first case, the company structure had been altered: the number of foreign directors exceeded half of the administrators, who were no longer Thai nationals, and foreigners were exercising management power. This contravenes the law on tourism businesses and guides. The operating licence was therefore revoked.
In the second case, the business was operating a tourism activity without a licence for a branch. The authorities gathered evidence to issue an administrative fine.
The inspections form part of efforts to combat the use of Thai nominees by foreigners in the tourism sector, particularly diving centres and agencies.
The authorities announced that they will continue on-site inspections to enforce the legislation and strengthen visitor confidence. Members of the public may report any suspicious activity.