Koh Phangan, Surat Thani –
Thai National Police have ordered a sweeping second-phase operation against foreign nationals using Thai nominees to conceal illegal land ownership and business activities on Koh Phangan. The raid mobilized more than 300 officers to dismantle nominee structures across the island.
The operation, dubbed “Nominee Crackdown Koh Phangan – Phase 2”, targeted 32 companies suspected of fronting for foreign investors. Authorities executed 36 search warrants and 45 arrest warrants against foreign nationals of various nationalities. Charges include:
- Operating restricted businesses without authorization under the Foreign Business Act.
- Illegal land possession under the Land Code.
One major case involved FB Properties Co., Ltd. (Yoga House), where investigators found an Israeli national as the true owner behind Thai shareholders. The company illegally held eight plots of land totaling 7.5 rai (approx. 3 acres), valued at over 60 million baht, and operated an unlicensed hotel business.
- 32 nominee companies seized, covering 45 land plots (over 40 rai).
- 22 foreign nationals arrested.
- Estimated damages: 200 million baht.
- Additional 32 companies found with majority foreign shareholding, holding 38 plots of land, mostly undeveloped.
The crackdown follows urgent directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to eliminate nominee structures nationwide. National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet tasked Pol. Gen. Samran with leading the campaign to protect Thai livelihoods and prevent transnational crime.
Phase 1 of the operation, launched on May 13, focused on law firms, accounting firms, and nominee companies. Investigators uncovered networks using welfare card holders and employees as proxy shareholders, registering over 100 foreign-controlled companies under shared addresses.
Authorities will now coordinate with the Department of Business Development, provincial commerce offices, and land offices to trace financial flows and investigate possible involvement of state officials. The findings will be reported directly to the Prime Minister.
Pol. Gen. Samran stated that the mission is to restore order on Koh Phangan, ensuring it remains a lawful and sustainable tourist destination. He vowed that similar operations will expand nationwide, urging citizens to report suspicious activity to local police or the 24-hour hotline.
