Thai PM orders probe into Koh Phangan nominee firms

SURAT THANI — May 13, 2026: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered an investigation into suspected nominee business arrangements involving foreign investors on Koh Phangan after authorities discovered allegedly illegal luxury pool villas linked to Israeli nationals.

At 14:10 on May 13, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his delegation conducted a field visit to monitor and address issues affecting local residents and businesses in major tourist destinations. The visit focused on the illegal use of Thai nationals as legal fronts (nominees) for foreign-owned businesses and unauthorized encroachment on public beachfront areas.

Anutin inspected a property connected to a company under investigation and held discussions with ministers and local officials in front of a pool villa allegedly constructed without proper permits. Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nuanma reported on the unauthorized construction of villas owned by Israeli nationals, following the policy to dismantle foreign nominee networks on Koh Phangan.

Anutin instructed authorities to verify whether the company's shareholders are indeed foreigners and ordered an examination of the company's financial transactions and fund sources.

Anutin also addressed controversy surrounding a cabinet resolution that was approved to ease procedures for foreign investors in eight business sectors, allowing them to operate without needing a license. He apologized for confusion caused on May 12 by comments from a newly appointed deputy government spokesperson who had suggested foreigners would no longer need licenses to operate businesses in Thailand. Anutin explained that in his eagerness to have the new appointee begin work promptly, he had instructed them to announce this matter immediately.

He reprimanded the Government Spokesperson and noted that each coalition party is already responsible for specific ministries. For example, the Pheu Thai Party oversees the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Labor. Each official should focus on their assigned responsibilities. Anutin sincerely apologized for the error in assigning a Deputy Government Spokesperson to announce such a critical matter.

When asked to clarify whether the resolution marked a move toward full liberalization of foreign business, Anutin explained that the policy was intended only to reduce duplicated administrative procedures. For instance, foreign nationals wishing to operate businesses in Thailand must already obtain permits from the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, the Department of Industrial Works, or the Ministry of Interior. The new change means they will no longer need to file a redundant application with the Ministry of Commerce. Anutin described this as an initiative by the Minister of Commerce aimed at eliminating unnecessary overlap.