SURAT THANI, Thailand – Thai authorities have arrested a French national for allegedly operating a luxury resort on Koh Phangan, the popular resort island. without the required licenses, violating both business and labor laws.
The operation, a joint effort by the police and district officials, led to the apprehension of the owner, identified as Mr. Arnaud, at his illegal hotel business.
A key finding of the investigation was that the resort, which offered numerous rooms for daily rental, exclusively employed foreign workers, with all staff—including cooks, servers, and cashiers—being Myanmar nationals.
Mr. Arnaud’s role was strictly managerial and supervisory, with no Thai citizens employed at the premises.
Consequently, Mr. Arnaud faces multiple serious charges. These include operating a hotel without a license and illegally employing foreign staff in duties outside the scope of their official work permits, and failing to notify the government of the foreign hires.
The four Myanmar employees were also charged with related immigration and labor offenses. (TNA)
