Thai police have launched “Phase 2” of their major operation against foreign nominees on Koh Phangan. More than 300 officers raided 32 companies, arrested 22 foreigners and seized more than 40 rai of land worth over 200 million baht. At the same time, local stakeholders met to restore the island’s tourist image.
In the morning of Saturday 23 May 2026, on the orders of Deputy Commissioner-General of Police Samran Nuanma, Lieutenant-General Nopphasit Phunsawat led a large-scale operation named “Destruction of Foreign Nominees on Koh Phangan – Phase 2”.
More than 300 police officers were deployed to execute 36 search warrants and 45 arrest warrants issued by the Koh Samui court. The investigations targeted companies suspected of acting as nominees allowing foreigners to circumvent legislation on land ownership and commercial activities reserved for Thais.
Among the hotspots was the company FB Properties Co Ltd (Yoga House), where an Israeli national was identified as the true owner hidden behind Thai shareholders. This entity illegally controlled 8 plots totalling 7.5 rai valued at more than 60 million baht and operated a hotel without a licence.
In total, Phase 2 resulted in the seizure of 45 plots (more than 40 rai) belonging to 32 nominee companies, the arrest of 22 foreigners and the identification of 32 further companies in which foreigners hold the majority of shares, controlling nearly 38 additional rai.
“If this is a large-scale operation ordered directly by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, we will carry it out decisively to prevent transnational crime, illegal businesses and unfair competition against Thais.”
General Samran Nuanma recalled that the fight against nominees forms part of a national policy launched in 2024 and that Phase 1 had already taken place on 13 May 2026, resulting in 37 cases and 27 searches.
The day before the operation, on 22 May 2026, a major meeting was held in the district hall of Koh Phangan. District Chief Paisit Thongchim, the president of the Koh Phangan Hotels and Tourism Association Narumon Maisopha, the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Koh Samui and numerous operators and residents took part in this crisis meeting.
The participants acknowledged that recent nominee cases and negative reports about Israeli tourists had severely damaged the island’s image, leading to a very noticeable drop in visitor numbers.
They decided to reposition Koh Phangan by moving from a “party island” image to that of a “quality destination” focused on wellness tourism, slow life, local culture and nature preservation.
Among the concrete measures: the creation of a central communications centre, a legal team and a rapid-response communications unit to counter rumours and restore confidence.
“The people of Phangan are our greatest strength. Their warmth, hospitality and community lifestyle represent a soft power that we must promote internationally. We want to make Koh Phangan a world-class quality destination combining nature, culture, safety and quality of life.”
Narumon Maisopha announced the establishment of a monitoring committee bringing together legal experts and professionals to work closely with all stakeholders and sustainably restore tourist activity.