PHUKET, THAILAND – Phuket authorities have identified 16 people in the fourth phase of a crackdown on foreign nominee networks. Ten are Thai, six are foreign.
Inspections ran from August 6 to 7, led by Governor Chotinarin Kerd-som and his team. The Interior Ministry named two Canadians, three Russians, and one Kazakh among the foreign suspects.
Police identify 16 suspects in Phuket nominee sweep
The Interior Ministry confirmed ten Thais and six foreigners were flagged for nominee-style business operations. Authorities said arrests and criminal prosecution continue under current law.
The foreign suspects include two Canadians, three Russians, and one Kazakh. Their names have not been released publicly.
Businesses span car rentals, schools, and clinics
Investigators found businesses allegedly run in violation of Thai law. These include car rentals, car washes, and auto and motorcycle maintenance shops.
Also caught in the dragnet: international schools, restaurants, IT application development firms, electronics shops, and pharmacies selling applied traditional Thai medicine.
Cops probe 361 firms for land law violations
A second focus is foreign land ownership allegedly arranged through Thai nominees. Authorities have flagged 361 companies for possible land law violations.
Police filed criminal complaints in 149 cases. Four cases reached court, and courts have already imposed fines in four cases.
Minister vows to protect Thai business rights
Deputy Interior Minister Worawisit Liangprasit said the government under Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is cracking down to protect Thai citizens’ rights.
Foreign investment is welcome in Thailand. Illegal businesses and activities that threaten or cause difficulties for Thai entrepreneurs will not be tolerated.
said Worawisit Liangprasit, Deputy Interior Minister.
Death threats reported in Ko Samui case
The Interior Ministry pointed to a case in Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani province. There, foreigners allegedly threatened Thai entrepreneurs with death.
The government said it will not accept such conduct. Legal steps against the 361 companies and the 16 identified individuals continue.