Thai DSI Sends 31 Suspects in Phuket and Samui Nominee Property Case to Prosecutors

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has officially forwarded the case files and all 31 suspects connected to the Villa Andaman nominee property investigation to the Office of the Special Litigation Prosecutor, marking a major step in one of Thailand’s largest crackdowns on illegal foreign-controlled real estate operations in Phuket and Koh Samui.

The investigation focuses on a network of law firms and consulting companies suspected of helping foreign investors illegally acquire land and property through the use of Thai “nominees.” According to investigators, Thai citizens were allegedly used as proxy shareholders and directors to conceal actual foreign ownership, allowing overseas investors to bypass Thai legal restrictions.

Authorities believe the scheme enabled foreigners to establish companies and operate property businesses in violation of Thailand’s Foreign Business Act of 1999.

On April 22, 2026, the DSI initially submitted investigation files involving Villa Andaman Co., Ltd. and 28 suspects. At that stage, background checks on three additional suspects were still underway.

The investigation was later expanded to include Firefly (Thailand) Co., Ltd. On May 25, the DSI completed its probe and transferred the remaining suspects — identified as Mr. Symond and Ms. Vandy — to prosecutors, both as private individuals and as company representatives.

Among those accused are British national Marcus and American national Paul, who investigators allege played leading roles in organizing nominee structures designed to circumvent restrictions on foreign business ownership in Thailand.

The charges include operating businesses illegally as foreign nationals, conspiring with Thai citizens to disguise foreign ownership, and acting as company directors involved in corporate violations.

According to the DSI, the operation is part of a broader effort to protect Thailand’s economic sovereignty and prevent abuse of legal loopholes within the country’s real estate sector.

Officials warned that nominee arrangements distort fair market competition and may negatively impact opportunities and livelihoods for Thai citizens.

The case has now been transferred to prosecutors, who will decide how to proceed under Thailand’s criminal justice system.

The DSI also confirmed that authorities will continue investigating nominee business networks and intensify enforcement efforts against illegal foreign-controlled enterprises across the country.