Authorities in Phang Nga Province raided two Muay Thai training facilities in the Khao Lak area on February 26, 2025, citing the schools’ failure to obtain proper permits and concerns over foreigners taking jobs meant for Thai citizens. Five individuals, including three foreign nationals, were arrested and charged with operating a private school without authorization.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Phang Nga Governor Pairot Petchyuan and involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Phang Nga Provincial Police, the Immigration Bureau, and local police forces. Officials stated that the crackdown aligns with national policies aimed at preventing illegal business operations by foreign nationals, particularly those who enter Thailand on tourist visas but engage in unauthorized commercial activities.
Authorities emphasized that the issue extends beyond licensing violations, pointing to broader concerns about foreign business interests circumventing Thai regulations through nominee arrangements—where Thai citizens act as business fronts for foreign investors. Officials claim such practices result in financial losses for local business owners and tax revenue shortfalls for the government.
The raid was part of a larger initiative by Provincial Police Region 8, under the leadership of Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomchit, to address the issue of unauthorized foreign-operated businesses across the region. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to intensify inspections and enforcement measures to protect Thai business operators from unfair competition.
Those present at the operation included senior police officials from various divisions and local administrative representatives.
