Koh phangan: Police have launched a significant operation to dismantle illegal foreign nominee networks on Koh Phangan, targeting and searching 243 companies suspected of irregular activities. This operation has unveiled questionable land ownership at 27 locations, highlighting concerns over foreign encroachment on public land.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation coincided with a visit by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province. Accompanied by key ministers and government officials, the Prime Minister addressed the pressing issue of foreign entities conducting business through illegal nominee arrangements. The delegation visited a property linked to Taylor Villa Co., Ltd., where Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma reported on illegal constructions allegedly owned by an Israeli national.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to investigate whether foreigners are shareholders in these companies, as it violates Thai regulations on land ownership. He stressed that these actions are illegal and involve foreigners using nominees to falsely claim land ownership, misleadingly presenting themselves as Thai enterprises. An investigation into the financial transactions of these companies has been requested.
In a related development, the Prime Minister discussed the Cabinet's approval to ease investment regulations for foreigners in eight business sectors. This move aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles by eliminating redundant permit applications, streamlining the process for foreigners wishing to invest in Thailand.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of addressing the nominee issue on Koh Phangan, asserting that the focus should be on the legality of company operations rather than land encroachment, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Land.
The police operation also resulted in the seizure of 37 land titles amounting to approximately 8.4 acres, valued at 150 million baht. Arrest warrants have been issued for three suspects, including two Thai nationals accused of assisting foreigners in circumventing ownership laws. The third suspect, a foreign national, remains at large.
Authorities discovered 3,754 legal entities on Koh Phangan, with 2,381 involving foreign shareholders. Investigations will concentrate on companies where foreign investment exceeds legal limits and cases involving Thai nationals acting as proxies for foreign interests.
Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma, has mandated a swift investigation into illegal constructions, with a focus on the true identity of shareholders. An investigative team from Police Region 8 has been tasked with gathering information and reporting findings to the Commissioner General and the Prime Minister.