Phuket Expands Nominee Business Crackdown to International Schools and Tourism Operators

Authorities in Phuket have widened their campaign against nominee business structures and suspected illegal land use, extending inspections to international schools, tourism operators, and local communities as part of an ongoing province-wide enforcement effort.

The operation was led by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum and Chalong Police Chief Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee. Officers worked alongside immigration officials, district administrators, and representatives from the Rawai and Chalong municipalities.

One of the main focuses of the operation was the inspection of three international schools in Rawai and Chalong. Acting under search warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court, investigators examined company registration documents, ownership records, and management structures to determine whether foreign investors were illegally controlling the schools through Thai nominee shareholders.

Authorities also turned their attention to Phuket's tourism sector. ATV rental businesses were inspected to verify compliance with safety regulations and to identify any operations suspected of being controlled by foreign investors in violation of Thai law.

At the same time, police conducted crime suppression operations in the Thai Mai community, where three suspects were arrested and 206 methamphetamine tablets were seized. Drug screening carried out during the operation identified four individuals who tested positive for narcotics and were subsequently referred for rehabilitation.

Later in the afternoon, officers from Chalong Police, Tourist Police, and local municipal authorities inspected elephant camps and adventure tourism businesses located along Soi Yodsane. Operators were reminded to comply with Thai business registration requirements and maintain strict safety standards to protect visitors and preserve Phuket's reputation as a tourist destination.

Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee said the coordinated inspections demonstrate the government's zero-tolerance approach toward nominee businesses and unlawful foreign investment.

Officials emphasized that similar operations will continue in cooperation with provincial and national agencies as part of broader efforts to protect Phuket's economy, strengthen public security, and ensure a safe environment for both residents and visitors.