French Businessman Investigated for Using Thai Nominees on Koh Samui
A French businessman faces investigation in Surat Thani for allegedly using Thai nominees to operate an unlicensed hotel on Koh Samui and is also suspected of defrauding fellow investors in a 26.4 million baht cannabis farm scheme that was
Surat Thani Immigration Police have expanded an investigation into a French businessman suspected of using Thai nominees to operate businesses on Koh Samui, uncovering an allegedly unlicensed hotel and possible links to a 26.4 million baht cannabis farm investment scam.
The operation, dubbed "Crackdown on Foreign Nominee Networks, Phase 7," was launched in response to a policy by National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet and Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, deputy national police chief and director of the Center for the Suppression of Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration.
On 16 August 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, through Pol. Maj. Gen. Chuthares Yingyongdamrongsakul, commissioner of Immigration Division 6, ordered officers to investigate foreigners suspected of conducting businesses through concealed shareholding arrangements, including using Thai nationals as nominees to hold land through Thai-registered companies.
Pol. Col. Naruet Phutthawiro, superintendent of Surat Thani Immigration, said officers had expanded their investigation into foreign investors operating businesses on Koh Samui after finding suspicious shareholding arrangements involving Thai nationals.
One person under investigation is Stephane Thierry Bastok, 74, a French national, who is also facing legal proceedings over allegations that he persuaded eight fellow French nationals to invest about 3.3 million baht each, totaling more than 26.4 million baht (about €900,000), in a cannabis farm project.
The farm was allegedly never established. Investigators at Bo Phut and Koh Samui police stations have completed their case files and submitted them to prosecutors for consideration.
Based on the information, Surat Thani Immigration examined Bastok's business activities and asset holdings and found links to Ida B Co Ltd and IDA B Domain Co Ltd, which were involved in land ownership and accommodation businesses in Moo 5, Lipanoi subdistrict, Koh Samui district.
Investigators found that Ida B Co Ltd owned about 7 rai, 3 ngan and 80 square wah of land. In 2021, a three-story building was constructed on the property and later operated as an accommodation business under the name "IDA B DOMAIN" by IDA B Domain Co Ltd.
The property had 12 rooms and a restaurant and advertised daily room bookings through online accommodation platforms. The company also operated its own website to attract tourists.
However, officers found no hotel business license issued by the Koh Samui district hotel registrar.
Immigration records filed under Section 38 of the Immigration Act showed that guests generally stayed for short periods, consistent with daily accommodation services. Officers also found an application for a health-hazardous business license describing the operation as a 12-room rental business.
An examination of the companies' shareholding structures and financial statements raised further suspicions.
