BANGKOK, Thailand – Senators sound the alarm as foreigners buy up land on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan using Thai nominees, with locals feeling disenfranchised.
Nominees Used for Beachfront Land
General Kriangkrai Srirak, first vice president of the Senate, visited Surat Thani province and met angry residents. They complained that foreigners use local straw men to illegally open businesses and purchase land.
“Foreigners use local straw men to illegally open businesses and buy land.”
said residents.
The general has known about the problem for years. As commander of the 4th Army Region, he previously cracked down on illegal construction and land grabs. Those successes were short-lived. Now the issues are back, worse than ever.
Outrage Over Israeli Settlements
Particularly sensitive: increasing numbers of Israeli tourists are buying property on the islands. They open shops exclusively for fellow citizens. Religious prayer sites and entire isolated settlements are emerging. Locals feel displaced.
Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, a spokesman for the Senate subcommittee on military affairs, also raised the alarm. The phenomenon is not confined to the islands. In Phuket, Narathiwat, Pai, and parts of Chiang Mai, Israelis are buying land and building businesses. He called this a growing security problem.
620 Cases – Only Seven Visas Revoked
Authorities in Surat Thani have already responded. Last year they formed a special task force against illegal foreign activities. The tally from nearly seven months: 620 cases were uncovered. But the number of tough consequences is sobering.
In 18 cases involving nominee deals, land ownership, or tourism companies – only seven visas were cancelled. For many locals, this is a drop in the ocean. They demand tougher enforcement.
Senate Involves Government
Now the case is being elevated to the highest political level. General Kriangkrai announced:
“A Senate committee will investigate the problem from the ground up.”
said Kriangkrai, first vice president of the Senate. The findings will be forwarded to the House of Representatives. The goal: new laws to close the loopholes.
Chaiyong’s subcommittee is already collecting evidence on the alleged nominee deals. He called on the National Security Council, the Ministry of Interior, the police, and the immigration bureau to investigate. The review is underway.
Who Protects the Thai People?
The people on the islands fear for their future. They see foreigners using money and legal loopholes to buy up entire tracts of land. The law prohibits foreigners from direct land ownership – but with nominees it becomes worthless. The economy benefits, while locals lose their homeland.
What do you think: Are the authorities too lax? Or is it exaggerated to complain about foreign investors? Have you yourself experienced how nominees circumvent the rules? Share your experiences in the comments – we are curious about your opinion!