PM raids illegal pool villa on Koh Phangan, uncovers Israeli using Thai nominee, orders financial investigation

At 2:10 p.m. on May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul and Interior Minister led a team to Koh Phangan in Surat Thani to address problems affecting residents and businesses in the tourism area, particularly the use of Thai nationals as front men (nominees) for foreign-owned businesses and encroachment on public beachfront areas. The PM visited a house hosting a company's office and discovered illegal construction with an Israeli national as the owner. Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nuanmaa reported the illegal pool villa construction as part of the anti-nominee operation. The PM stated authorities must verify shareholding structures, noting that foreigners have no legal right to own land in Thailand but circumvent this by using nominees to deceive the public into believing these are Thai companies. He ordered an investigation into the company's financial pathways.

Regarding the cabinet's May 12 resolution unlocking foreign investment in eight businesses without permits, the PM clarified this was merely streamlining procedures to reduce redundancy, not opening business to foreigners without authorization. He apologized for confusion caused by the government spokesperson's statement, explaining that foreigners still require permits from relevant authorities but need not seek redundant approvals from the Commerce Ministry. On the Koh Phangan nominee issue, the PM emphasized that while land encroachment would be handled by the Natural Resources Ministry and Land Department, the focus is on companies opened and sold with foreign control exceeding the 49 percent cap through cross-company structures that create the false appearance of Thai ownership while remaining entirely foreign-controlled.