SURAT THANI — Thai authorities have launched an investigation into nominee businesses—companies where Thai nationals hold assets on behalf of foreign owners—on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province, following concerns from local residents about rapidly expanding illegal foreign ownership.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu Chamnanrach, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Suwat Suksri, Surat Thani provincial police chief, convened an inter-agency task force meeting on October 13 to plan coordinated inspections targeting foreigners suspected of illegally conducting business activities on the two islands.
The task force includes Bundarn Sathirachawan, deputy governor of Surat Thani and chair of the provincial committee on land and building ownership by foreigners, along with representatives from multiple agencies including the provincial commerce office, Department of Business Development, and provincial land office.
The investigation will examine land ownership and property rights held by foreigners or Thai nationals acting as nominees. Authorities will also investigate potential illegal use of state land, review construction permits, and verify building compliance.
Verification Process
Bundarn said the provincial committee, chaired by Governor Theerut Supaviboonphon, had already made significant progress. Officials are checking foreigners’ travel records, visa categories, and passport renewals to distinguish legitimate tourists from those staying long-term to run businesses.
Data from the Department of Business Development will be cross-checked with land office records to verify company landholdings. Investigators will scrutinize shareholder lists, investment fund sources, and corporate financial status.
“Our investigation is not limited to Israeli nationals,” Bundarn said. “We will look into all foreigners residing long-term in the province. Both personal and corporate checks will be carried out in parallel because the data are interconnected.”
Two-Stage Enforcement
Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu explained that police investigation and intelligence divisions have combined their data analysis to guide enforcement actions. Operations will begin in two stages:
Immediate action: Foreigners working without permits, engaging in occupations reserved for Thais, or overstaying visas will face arrest and prosecution on the spot.
Evidence-based inspections: Corporate structures, land ownership, tax payments, hotel operations, and construction activities will be investigated, with cases referred to relevant authorities for formal complaints.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu added that this integrated approach marks the beginning of a broader crackdown on illegal foreign business activities across Region 8, which includes major tourist destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani. The Surat Thani model will serve as a blueprint for similar efforts in other provinces.
Current Cases
Surat Thani Provincial Police recorded 2,001 foreign-related offenses between October 2024 and September 2025, primarily traffic violations, illegal entry, and drug crimes. Among these were 18 nominee cases: eight handled by Koh Phangan Police, eight by Bo Phut Police, and two by Koh Samui Police.
The 18 cases under investigation involve real estate, hotel, and villa operations (10 cases), construction firms (2), computer services (2), and single cases each for car rental, café, visa services, and cleaning companies.
Authorities said the probe will also target Thai nationals who helped conceal foreign ownership and any government officials involved in the violations.
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