Chiang Mai, Thailand – July 20th, 2026
In a major escalation of Thailand’s nationwide campaign against illegal foreign business ownership, Police General Samran Nuanma (known as “บิ๊กราญ” or “Big Ra”), Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the expansion of Operation “Dismantling Foreign Nominee Networks Phase 5” in Chiang Mai province.
On July 20th, more than 250 officers from multiple agencies conducted coordinated raids on 18 locations linked to 31 cases, targeting suspected nominee arrangements where Thai citizens act as fronts for foreigners to illegally own or control businesses and land. The operation uncovered assets valued at approximately 633 million baht.
Scale of the Screening and Findings
Authorities had previously reviewed all 33,144 companies registered in Chiang Mai province. Of these, 4,741 had foreign shareholders, and 1,591 showed indicators of nominee arrangements. After further preliminary screening, investigators focused on 31 companies with the biggest red flags:
– 16 companies where Thai nationals were used as nominee shareholders.
– 15 companies where foreigners held shares exceeding legal limits, along with ownership or control of 29 land plots totaling about 20 rai (roughly 8 acres), valued at 633 million baht.
Arrest warrants were issued for 22 individuals (including 2 Thais and foreigners from Myanmar, India, the UK, and China). Five people (2 Indians and 3 Myanmar nationals) have been arrested so far.
One notable cluster involved four nominee companies operating in the area of Village No. 12, Moo 8, Tambon Chai Sathan. Thai nominees in these cases reportedly lent their national ID cards and house registration documents for company registration and land transactions, often for small payments or under false pretenses (such as “for social security or salary purposes”).
In several instances, nominees claimed they had no knowledge of the companies’ actual operations or foreign controllers. One Thai nominee had been in prison since late 2021 yet continued to appear as a shareholder and director in multiple companies registered after his incarceration. Investigators are examining these arrangements for violations of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) and land ownership restrictions.
This Chiang Mai operation builds on earlier efforts in the province, including the June 2026 “Protect Chiang Mai – Dismantle Nominee Networks” operation, which involved around 188 officers and uncovered evidence of nominee shareholding, companies without proper registered offices, and violations related to hotels and immigration rules.
The crackdown follows the “Koh Phangan model,” a multi-agency approach first applied in tourist-heavy areas to reclaim economic sovereignty, ensure fair competition for Thai businesses, and prevent circumvention of laws prohibiting foreigners from directly owning certain businesses (especially in restricted sectors) or land. Similar operations have been conducted or expanded in provinces such as Chonburi as we covered here, Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani.
Police General Samran said that the goal is to dismantle networks, protect the Thai economy, and create a level playing field for legitimate foreign investment that complies with Thai law. The Royal Thai Police have pledged to continue these operations nationwide and encourage the public to report suspected cases to local police stations or the 1599 hotline (available 24 hours).
Investigations into the 18 raided locations in Chiang Mai are ongoing, with further arrests, asset seizures, and legal actions expected as evidence is processed. The operation is part of Thailand’s intensified efforts to regulate foreign business activities in popular tourist and investment destinations while upholding legal ownership rules.
Thai authorities continue to stress that legitimate foreign investment remains welcome when conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
