Twenty-four people - 22 foreigners and two Thai nationals - were arrested at a beer bar on Koh Samui island on Sunday night for violating the emergency decree, police said.

Acting on a complaint filed by local residents, police and administrative officials raided the La Bohemia bar in tambon Maret.

There were 22 foreigners and two Thai nationals on the premises. Many were dancing to music and drinking.

Quentin Thioliet, 24, a Frenchman, identified himself as the bar owner. He had three Myanmar men working with him as waiters, and only one of them had a work permit. The bar was operating without a licence.

The bar owner, his employees and all cutomers were charged with breaking the emergency decree, which prohibits restaurants selling alcohol and gatherings that could lead to the spread of Covid-19.