21/08/2026
Six arrested on Koh Tao arrested for working illegally.
Six Scuba instructors have been arrested on Koh Tao for working without a work permit. All six, one British, and five from Spain are in Thailand on Destination Thailand visas (DTV, which permits remote work, but not teaching Scuba.
The arrests came after a targeted crackdown due to reports on social media about foreigners working illegally on the island of Koh Tao.
Immigration have said that unauthorised staff are bad for safety and the islands reputation and state that operators should select qualified and suitable instructors, and not hire cheap, illegall staff.
The company directors will now be investigated for employing illegal staff as well as any nominee structures in place in their organisations.
Tourists are warned that having a visa that allows you to stay in Thailand does not give you the right to work. Anyone doing so can expect to be arrested and face the consequences.
