The figures were reported by Phuket Provincial Police Chief Sinlert Sukhum as the Prime Minister travelled to Bang Tao Beach to address longstanding complaints over encroachment on public land.
According to Phuket Provincial Police, between Jan 1, 2025 and Apr 30, 2026, authorities handled 3,218 criminal cases involving 3,484 suspects identified as foreigners.
Myanmar nationals accounted for the highest number of suspects, with 946 people, or 27.2% of the total. Russians ranked second with 269 suspects, followed by British nationals with 143 and French nationals with 141.
Police also reported an intensified crackdown on violations of Thailand’s Foreign Business Act, particularly ‘nominee’ businesses suspected of being operated illegally through Thai proxies.
A total of 15 cases have been prosecuted, involving 33 foreign suspects. Russians accounted for the highest number of suspects in those cases, with 13 people charged, followed by 12 Chinese nationals, two Israelis and six suspects from other countries.
The cases involved businesses including car rental companies, restaurants, real estate operations, design firms and childcare centres.
Police said the offences included foreigners operating restricted businesses without proper authorisation, continuing operations despite suspended licences, and Thai nationals allegedly assisting foreigners by acting as nominee shareholders.
Regarding the illegal occupation of public beachfront land at Bang Tao, officials reported that three criminal cases are currently under investigation involving encroachment by businesses operating rental rooms, restaurants and massage shops.
Authorities estimate damages at about B18 million, covering more than three rai of occupied land, said an official report.
Phuket police also highlighted strict enforcement against foreigners driving without licences. Between Jan 1, 2025 and Apr 30, 2026, officers arrested 20,901 foreigners for driving without valid licences.
In the first four months of 2026 alone, 8,625 such arrests were recorded, which police said reflected intensified enforcement efforts aimed at improving safety and order in Phuket’s tourism areas.