KOH PHANGAN — Police on Koh Phangan, Surat Thai province, arrested an Italian man accused of illegally working as a woodcarver and carpenter, occupations reserved exclusively for Thai citizens, as authorities continue a crackdown on foreigners violating labor and immigration laws on the island.
Tourist police said they detained Carlo, 36, at his hillside home in Moo 6, Koh Phangan subdistrict on November 10, after receiving complaints from residents. Officers found he had been hired by two other foreign nationals to carve a wooden picture frame for 3,000 baht (about $92).
During the search, police seized 12 woodworking tools, including sanding and grinding machines, an electric jigsaw, a drill, and various measuring instruments. Carlo allegedly admitted to taking freelance jobs based on his carpentry skills.
He faces two charges — operating a business without permission and working in a restricted occupation — and has been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for prosecution.
Authorities said the arrest is part of a broader campaign to curb foreigners who overstay their visas or take up work in professions protected for Thai nationals. Officials said some foreigners use tourist visas to operate businesses through nominee arrangements or work illegally in trades such as carpentry, massage, and tour guiding.
Under Thailand’s Royal Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens (2017) and its 2018 amendment, 27 occupations — including woodcarving, vehicle driving, street vending, and hairdressing — are completely reserved for Thai nationals. Some professional fields, such as accounting and engineering, allow limited foreign participation with special permits.
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