KRABI, THAILAND – Authorities in southern Thailand raided an Israeli-operated cannabis farm in Krabi and arrested the foreign owner over suspected illegal corporate structures and regulatory violations.
Large multi-agency raid on Sai Thai facility
The operation took place on 21 January 2026 at around 9:30 a.m. on the premises of Cannazon Co. Ltd. in Moo 4 village, Sai Thai subdistrict, Mueang Krabi district. It was led by Governor Angkul Silathevakul and Maj Gen Sukkasem Nakvilai, commander of the Krabi Provincial Police, with about 50 officers from provincial and local police, immigration, the Central Investigation Bureau, tourist police, administrative units, the provincial health office and the labour department.
Israeli owner detained on court warrants
Acting on search warrants issued by the Krabi Provincial Court, officers searched the company compound and detained the Israeli owner, identified as Mose Yamin. The warrants were explained to him with the help of an interpreter before the search, and authorities said Yamin cooperated with investigators.
Alleged nominee structure and Foreign Business Act breach
Investigators accused the firm of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to allow a foreigner de facto control of a business field restricted by law. They said this arrangement violated, among other provisions, Section 8(3) of the Foreign Business Act.
High-tech grow operation and suspected cannabis offences
Inside the building, officers found an indoor cannabis facility with controlled irrigation, lighting and temperature, as well as equipment for processing the plants. The site was also believed to have been used for the sale of cannabis products and on-site consumption.
According to authorities, additional suspected violations included online sales and delivery of cannabis products, farm tours for tourists and permitting consumption on the premises in breach of legal conditions. Officials also cited the extraction of cannabis substances with a THC content above 0.2%, which under current law is classified as a narcotic.
The Krabi Provincial Health Office suspended the business licence for 60 days pending further investigation.
Warning over “nominee” arrangements in cannabis sector
Governor Angkul said authorities had received information that foreign investors were using Thais as fronts in cannabis businesses.
“We were informed that foreign investors were using Thai nominees in cannabis enterprises. Inspection showed that the owner was Israeli and that several illegal cannabis-related activities had taken place on the premises.”
said Angkul Silathevakul, Krabi governor.
He stressed that Krabi would not tolerate unlawful business models driven by overseas interests.
“Krabi will not allow illegal business models from abroad. All relevant agencies are working together to safeguard public order and protect the province’s image as a safe tourist destination.”
said Angkul Silathevakul, Krabi governor.
Police track alleged “grey capital” and four Thai suspects
Maj Gen Sukkasem said police had monitored the company for more than two months.
“There are indications that an Israeli investor recruited Thais to initially hold 100% of the shares in their names. Later, the capital was increased and converted into a 49–51 structure in favour of foreign control.”
said Maj Gen Sukkasem Nakvilai, Krabi Provincial Police commander.
He added that documents showed the arrangement was a sham shareholding, which he compared to the use of “mule” bank accounts. Criminal complaints had been filed, and four Thai nationals were being sought as alleged nominees.
Business officials flag pattern of foreign control
Mom Luang Phuthong Thongyai, deputy director of the Business Development Department, said there were signs of so‑called “grey capital”.
“We have detected a pattern in which companies are first registered with Thai shareholders, but after three to four months are transferred into foreign control. Our investigations will now be extended to other suspicious firms.”
said Mom Luang Phuthong Thongyai, deputy director of the Business Development Department.