Koh Samui Nominee Ownership Crackdown Targets 88 Suspects and 1.5 Billion Baht in Assets

Thai police have expanded their investigation into alleged nominee business structures on Koh Samui, uncovering dozens of companies suspected of helping foreign investors bypass ownership restrictions under Thai law.

The large-scale operation took place on August 14 and was overseen by Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma. Authorities conducted coordinated searches across the island, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a substantial amount of evidence.

Investigators identified 61 companies believed to be linked to nominee arrangements. According to police, these businesses were connected to the ownership or control of 42 land plots and real estate assets covering more than 33 rai. The total value of the properties is estimated at approximately 1.5 billion baht.

Officials stated that the operation is part of a broader effort to dismantle networks that allegedly enable foreign nationals to operate businesses and acquire assets through Thai nominees, in violation of existing regulations.

To date, authorities have opened 60 separate cases involving 88 suspects. Among them are 26 Thai nationals and 62 foreign nationals. Courts have approved 37 search warrants and 62 arrest warrants related to the investigation.

During the latest operation, police arrested 27 suspects and confiscated a wide range of evidence, including business documents, computers, mobile phones and digital records. Investigators will use the materials to trace financial transactions and examine possible links to wider domestic and international networks.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests are possible as authorities continue to analyze the seized evidence and financial data.