Thailand intensifies its crackdown on foreign fugitives using tourist destinations like Samui, Pattaya, and Phuket as criminal hideouts. PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand strengthens its position against transnational crime and unauthorized foreign activity in popular tourist hotspots, Thai Immigration authorities are ramping up operations targeting so-called “stealth” foreigners—those living under the radar, exploiting legal loopholes, and often using Thai nominees to run lucrative businesses. The crackdown, already in full swing in cities like Pattaya and Phuket, now extends to Koh Samui, where a high-profile joint operation recently exposed a network of British nationals involved in serious crimes abroad who had managed to build prosperous lives and businesses in Thailand. Koh Samui: Two British Fugitives Caught in “Golden Zone” Business Empire In Surat Thani, Immigration Division 6, under the command of Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumat Boonyaluck, launched a coordinated raid targeting two British nationals accused of violent and financial crimes. The operation led to the arrest of Mr. Kieren Daniel Farrer Thornton, 38, wanted in the UK for robbery under an extradition warrant issued by the Thai Criminal Court on May 19. He was apprehended near the ferry terminal in Bo Phut, Koh Samui, and is now awaiting deportation to face justice in the United Kingdom. Investigators also zeroed in on Mr. Ashton Kevin Saunders, also known as “Ben Ash,” 37, who had been portraying himself as a successful entrepreneur in the Chaweng Beach area. According to intelligence from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), Saunders had been convicted of fraud in England and fled to Thailand. Though officially in the country as a tourist, he covertly built a business empire using nominee shareholders to disguise ownership—an illegal practice under Thai law. Two British men wanted for robbery and fraud arrested on Koh Samui after running seven businesses through nominee structures. Authorities raided seven business entities linked to Saunders, including: Bad Monkey Hostel (Bad Monkey Hostel Co., Ltd.) Hustler Beer Garden & Pool Hall (Hustler Pool Hall Co., Ltd.) Barcade Samui (Barcade Co., Ltd.) Stunner Club (Stunner Co., Ltd.) Amba Real Estate & Amba Samui Restaurant (K.A. Samui Co., Ltd.) Ballers Club (Ballers Co., Ltd.) Sin by Night Club (Sin by Night Co., Ltd.) The raids were supported by Tourist Police, local police from Bo Phut Station, and administrative officials, with a mandate to examine business licenses, ownership structures, and immigration status. Immigration has since revoked Saunders’ visa, declaring him a prohibited person due to his criminal convictions abroad and pending extradition to serve his sentence in the UK. Immigration Police raid luxury venues in Samui as part of a national campaign targeting transnational crime in beach resort cities. A National Policy Against Foreign Criminal Elements The high-impact operations are part of a broader directive spearheaded by National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet and Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumat Boonyaluck, who have emphasized cross-border crime suppression, especially in high-tourism zones often exploited by criminals posing as tourists or investors. In Pattaya, similar probes are underway targeting “gray” foreigners linked to illegal visa extensions, unauthorized employment, and underground economies involving nightlife, real estate, and digital scams. Phuket has also seen intensified scrutiny, with particular attention on villa and tourism businesses operated through Thai proxies, often as fronts for money laundering. The Immigration Bureau has vowed to sustain pressure on criminal foreigners, especially those who treat Thailand as a refuge from justice while enjoying the fruits of illegitimately gained wealth. “Thailand welcomes lawful foreign investment and tourism, but those who come here to hide, commit fraud, or exploit the system will be found and removed,” a senior immigration official stated. As authorities continue to synchronize efforts between Thai agencies and foreign partners like the NCA, INTERPOL, and the FBI, the message is increasingly clear: Thailand is no longer a safe haven for stealth foreign offenders. Thailand revokes visa of British fraud convict as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal networks operating under tourist cover. Immigration uncovers nominee networks as foreigners illegally run businesses in Koh Samui tourist zone.