PHUKET, THAILAND – Immigration officers arrested four foreign nationals in Patong after a large-scale operation targeting allegedly illegal businesses run by foreigners through Thai nominees.
Raids along Patong thoroughfares
Officers from Phuket Immigration conducted coordinated inspections at five premises along Phra Baramee Road and Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district, following complaints from local residents about unlawful commercial activities.
Allegations of front companies and direct control
During document checks, authorities found an Israeli man who told investigators he was the owner and manager of a motorcycle rental, a travel agency and a hair salon — businesses that are generally prohibited for foreign ownership under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act. Although the companies were formally registered in the name of a Thai national, officials said the Thai registrant appeared to have no authority or involvement, suggesting a nominee arrangement.
“Our preliminary inquiries indicate the businesses were controlled by the foreign national, not the Thai registrant,” an immigration official said. “We seized a number of documents for further investigation.”
Workers and paperwork seized
The Israeli-operated outlets employed three Thai staff and two Myanmar nationals. Authorities confirmed the two Myanmar workers held valid work permits. Investigators confiscated numerous documents to support ongoing inquiries.
Restaurants also inspected
The operation extended to two nearby restaurants. At one Israeli-run eatery, another Israeli national admitted to personally taking orders, preparing food and handling payments — activities that violate restrictions on foreigners performing certain types of work in Thailand. The second restaurant inspection produced findings that were not detailed in the official report.
Overall, immigration officials confirmed four foreign suspects were arrested in connection with the suspected illegal operations. Their identities were not released.
Part of a wider enforcement trend
Authorities said the Patong arrests formed part of a wider enforcement push against foreigners operating unlicensed or prohibited businesses across Thailand. In recent weeks, two Chinese nationals were detained in Bangkok for running an illegal hostel and selling supplements and sexual enhancement drugs, while a Lebanese man was arrested in Surat Thani over an unlicensed motorcycle rental on Koh Pha Ngan. An illegal travel agency run by an Israeli-Thai couple on the island was also shut down in the same period.
Investigations continue and penalties loom
Officials said one additional foreign national was suspected of involvement and that investigations were ongoing. The four detainees now face potential legal consequences, including criminal charges, deportation and bans on future entry.
For Phuket, Thailand’s major tourism hub, the raids were presented as a clear signal that authorities will not tolerate foreign-run enterprises operating behind Thai strawmen, immigration officials added.