KOH SAMUI — The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is investigating illegal luxury villa construction on Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province after discovering 93 violations across 24 locations, including properties built in environmentally protected red zones and suspected money laundering operations.
NACC Deputy Secretary-General Suchart Kruaykitanon and Surat Thani NACC Director Netipol Chumyuang conducted site inspections on September 24, finding violations of five major laws covering building control, construction, hotels, environment, and foreign business operations.
The investigation team has filed complaints with the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division while reporting suspected government official misconduct to provincial NACC offices.
The Zog Villas project in Mae Nam sub-district emerged as a key target, with five completed villas discovered in red zones under the Environmental Quality Enhancement and Conservation Act, where construction permits cannot be legally issued. Despite displaying “closed for renovation” signs, the properties were found accepting online bookings.
The Koh Samui Revenue Office reported investigating another luxury villa project involving suspicious investment funds totaling 300 million baht ($9.3 million) transferred from overseas with untraceable origins. Tax officials flagged the transactions as potentially involving nominee companies and money laundering.
Suchart ordered NACC investigation teams to collaborate with the 4th Army Region and relevant agencies to gather evidence against violators. He announced that Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao will be designated as “Anti-Corruption Pinpoint Areas” in fiscal year 2026.
“Every agency must enforce laws transparently and directly,” Suchart emphasized, adding that progress will be evaluated every three months.
While Koh Samui remains a prime destination for high-end real estate investment, particularly luxury condominiums and vacation homes, the island faces mounting challenges from state land encroachment and environmental destruction.
The crackdown highlights growing tensions between tourism development and environmental protection as authorities work to balance economic interests with conservation efforts on Thailand’s popular resort islands.
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