Thai authorities have carried out a new operation against “nominee” structures on Phangan island, closing two hotel establishments illegally operated by Israeli nationals.
On 24 May 2026, law enforcement officers immediately closed two hotels located on the island of Koh Phangan, in Surat Thani province. These establishments were operated without authorisation by companies controlled by Israeli investors, as part of a wide-ranging campaign against “nominee” arrangements.
Under the authority of the governor of Surat Thani, Jumphat Wannachatsiri, and the deputy governor Bandal Sathirachawal, investigators first visited the hotel operated by Hin Kong Beach Co., Ltd.. Only a Thai manageress was present. The establishment had been operating for over a year without any licence. Those responsible were charged with “operating a hotel without authorisation” and the hotel was sealed immediately.
The authorities then proceeded to Etherna Village, managed by Cohen Co., Ltd.. A Burmese employee, Mr. Ye Aung Min, was arrested for “unauthorised work”. The establishment, which offered daily rentals, was also closed. The company and its directors are being prosecuted for “illegal operation of a hotel”.
This operation forms part of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s firm policy, who ordered a wide-ranging offensive against foreign nominee networks. In total, 45 arrest warrants were issued as part of this second phase of the operation on Phangan island.