Phuket Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Nominee Scheme at International Schools

Police in Phuket have arrested four people, including two foreign nationals and two Thai citizens, in connection with the alleged illegal operation of international schools through nominee business structures.

The arrests are part of an ongoing campaign by Phuket Provincial Police and Chalong Police to investigate foreign-owned businesses suspected of violating Thailand’s Foreign Business Act in the Chalong and Rawai areas.

During the investigation, officers identified three international schools that they believe were operating unlawfully. According to police, the businesses were effectively controlled by two foreign nationals, while two Thai nationals allegedly helped establish and register the companies by acting as nominee shareholders.

After collecting evidence, investigators secured court-approved arrest warrants for all four suspects. Authorities have not released the names or nationalities of the two foreign nationals involved.

On Tuesday, August 5, police carried out coordinated raids at the schools and the suspects’ residences, taking all four individuals into custody. They have since been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and is aimed at identifying any additional people or companies that may have participated in the alleged nominee network.

Chalong Police also reminded foreign entrepreneurs that all business activities in Thailand must comply with local laws. Thai citizens were warned not to allow their names to be used as nominee shareholders, as they can face the same legal consequences as foreign business operators who violate the legislation.

Authorities reaffirmed that enforcement against illegal nominee businesses will continue. Anyone with information about similar activities is encouraged to contact police by calling 191 or Chalong Police Station at 076-381247.

The operation follows new measures introduced by Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD) on August 1 to strengthen oversight of nominee business arrangements.

Under the updated regulations, companies with foreign investors must now provide documentation proving the source of investment funds used by Thai shareholders. Applicants are also required to submit a written explanation of the investment along with three months of bank statements from the Thai investor or the legal entity that provided the funding.