Authorities Dismantle Foreign Nominee Network on Koh Phangan, Uncover 27 Companies, Arrest 2 Suspects, Seize 37 Land Plots Worth 150 Million Baht
Authorities on Koh Phangan dismantled a foreign nominee network involving 27 companies, seizing 37 land plots worth 150 million baht and arresting two Thai suspects. The operation uncovered thousands of businesses with questionable foreign
On May 13, 2025, Police Chief Kittarat Panthapetch assigned Deputy Police Chief Samran Nualma, as director of the Center for Suppressing Transnational Criminals and Illegal Entry, to lead an operation to dismantle the foreign nominee network on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province. The task force conducted searches of 243 target companies and identified 27 suspicious nominee enterprises involved in illegal land ownership. Authorities seized 37 land plots totaling 51 rai and 2 ngan, valued at approximately 150 million baht. Two of three suspects were arrested—both Thai nationals charged with assisting and supporting foreign nationals through nominee shareholding; the third suspect, a foreigner, remains at large.
The operation's investigation revealed 3,754 registered businesses on Koh Phangan, with 2,381 having foreign ownership. Key red flags included Thai nationals serving as shareholders and directors in multiple companies, apparent nominee holding patterns, and irregular social security records suggesting no actual employment. Deputy Police Chief Samran ordered intensified investigation into specific cases, including Plubvilla's construction violations and alleged foreign ownership with Thai nominee shareholders. The case will be coordinated with Regional Police Region 8, Surat Thani Provincial Police, and Koh Phangan Police Station, with findings compiled for further prosecution consideration and review of any involved government officials.
