Immigration authorities in Surat Thani have widened their investigation into a French businessman accused of using nominees to run an unlicensed hotel and linked to a 26.4 million baht scam.
As part of Operation “Crackdown on Foreign Nominee Networks, Phase 7”, immigration officers uncovered a network of companies controlled by a French national on the island of Koh Samui. The inquiry was launched following directives from National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet and his deputy, Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma.
One of the main suspects is Stephane Thierry Bastok, 74. He is already facing charges for persuading eight compatriots to invest around 3.3 million bahts each in a cannabis farm project that never materialised, for a total exceeding 26.4 million bahts.
Investigations revealed that Bastok controlled two companies, Ida B Co Ltd and IDA B Domain Co Ltd, which own nearly eight rai of land in Lipanoi. A three-storey building was constructed there in 2021 and converted into tourist accommodation under the name IDA B DOMAIN, offering twelve rooms and a restaurant.
No hotel licence has been issued by the Koh Samui authorities. Immigration records show that guests stayed for short periods, confirming daily accommodation activity.
Examination of the shareholding structures revealed the use of five Thai nominees holding 60 % of the shares in each company. These individuals, employees or drivers, had no real financial capacity. Transfers of more than 9 million bahts to the personal accounts of Bastok and his son were identified.
The Frenchman faces prosecution under the Foreign Business Act and the Hotel Act. The two companies and the five Thai nominees are also implicated for breaching foreign investment regulations.