A major police operation has dismantled 60 illegal companies linked to foreign nominees on Koh Samui island, involving land valued at 1.2 billion baht.
On 15 August 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Pholpir Suwannachawi, accompanied by Police General Samran Nualma, Lieutenant General Suraphong Thanomchit, the Governor of Surat Thani and DSI officers, launched Operation “Dismantling the Foreign Nominee Network – Phase 7” in Koh Samui. More than 300 officers took part in the action targeting foreigners using Thai nationals as nominees for illegal activities.
Of the 12,906 companies inspected on the island, 8,254 had foreign shareholders and 875 showed signs of nominee arrangements. Investigations focused on 59 companies controlling 37 plots totalling 31 rai, with an estimated value of 1,200 million baht. This led to 60 cases and 88 suspects, including 26 Thais and 62 foreigners.
The Koh Samui court issued 37 search warrants. Fourteen people were arrested: four Chinese, four British, as well as one Italian, one French, one Dutch, one Austrian, one Filipino and one American.
Five main networks were targeted. An Israeli group of 19 companies operated unlicensed nurseries and luxury villas. A German network of four companies built villas on steep slopes, evading taxes. Twenty-seven Thai companies facilitated long-term business visas. Sixteen others were purely fictitious to obtain work permits. Finally, two companies linked to a cannabis farm scam reported by the French embassy that had allowed land purchases and the operation of an unlicensed luxury hotel, with rooms offered between 11,000 and 17,000 baht per night.
This operation continues previous efforts. After six earlier phases, 238 companies, 272 plots totalling more than 184 rai and valued at 2,839 million baht have already been examined, with 178 arrest warrants issued.
The authorities aim to regulate tourist provinces such as Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Chonburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan to prevent exploitation by foreign capital and protect local jobs. They urge the public to report any suspicions.