Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited a luxury villa built illegally on Koh Phangan island, revealing an Israeli owner hidden behind a Thai nominee.
On 13 May 2026 at 13:48, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Interior Minister, went to house no. 39/15, moo 7, village of Choeng Lom, subdistrict of Koh Phangan, province of Surat Thani. The site houses the company Taylor Villa Co., Ltd., accused of erecting a villa with pool in violation of regulations.
Surrounded by ministers and local officials, he held a meeting on site, in front of the illicit construction. The government now orders a thorough investigation into the establishment's financial flows. Information reveals that the property belongs to an Israeli citizen, using a Thai as nominee to circumvent foreign business laws.
The Prime Minister also issued public apologies on behalf of the government deputy spokesperson, criticised for poorly communicating the permissions granted to foreigners to conduct business activities without prior permits.
The initial purpose of Anutin Charnvirakul's visit to Koh Phangan was to inspect illegal constructions and strengthen enforcement of island planning laws. But is this mere political communication or concrete actions to clean up the local economy?