Foreign Man Arrested For Operating Luxury Villa Rentals In Phuket
A foreign national was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for illegally operating luxury villa rentals in Phuket through Thai nominees, violating the Foreign Business Act.
The Department of Special Investigation's Investigation and Intelligence Center, working with immigration police, arrested a foreign national identified as Ajeed (surname withheld) at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province on July 8, 2025. The arrest was made pursuant to criminal court warrant number 2242/2569 dated April 21, 2025.
The suspect is charged with conducting an unlicensed foreign business operation, conspiring with Thai nationals to assist in circumventing business regulations, and serving as a nominee director while knowingly supporting corporate violations. He is accused of breaching the Foreign Business Act of 1999 and the Criminal Code.
According to authorities, Ajeed allegedly used Thai nominees to disguise foreign ownership of a luxury villa rental business operating in Phuket—a sector prohibited for foreign operators. The scheme was designed to evade regulatory scrutiny and has potential implications for national security and the country's economic system. The suspect was transferred to prosecutors on July 9, 2025, for further legal proceedings.
The arrest was conducted under orders from DSI Director General Yuthana Praedam and Deputy Director General Chatuphol Bongkochamasat, with the Investigation and Intelligence Center leading the operation to bring the fugitive into the justice system.
