Phuket law enforcement officers have raided five sites in Rawai as part of an investigation into nominee arrangements involving an international school and real estate agencies.
An operation dubbed “Dismantling Rawai Nominees” was launched by the Phuket provincial police. It resulted in arrest warrants being issued against two foreign nationals and legal proceedings against a third, announced on 1 November 2026 the provincial police chief, Pol Maj Gen Surachai Suksai.
The cases involve six companies with an estimated value exceeding 100 million baht (~ 2.6 M€). The investigations focus in particular on an international school and two related businesses, identified as Company T and Company S.
Investigators suspect a shareholding structure designed to conceal foreign control. Three searches were carried out by Chalong police, under the direction of Pol Col Surasak Jaidee. An arrest warrant was issued against a Russian national, while an Estonian national is facing proceedings under the foreign business law.
A second investigation targets a French real estate broker. Four Thai nationals are suspected of holding shares or setting up companies on his behalf, without any real management authority. Two further searches were conducted and an arrest warrant was issued against the French national.
“Phuket is open to honest investment, but it will not allow the use of nominee networks to circumvent the law. Legitimate operators must receive fair treatment, while offenders will be pursued with firmness.”
Pol Maj Gen Surachai Suksai assured that the police would pursue these networks “seriously and fairly”. The authorities are calling on the public to report any suspected nominee cases in order to protect national interests and strengthen investor confidence.
Source : ASEAN now