SURAT THANI, Thailand – Authorities in Surat Thani are investigating land holdings on Koh Samui involving companies whose foreign shareholding exceeds the limits set by Thai law, with 216 plots covering nearly 239 rai and carrying a combined assessed value of more than 1.27 billion baht. The review found that 3,892 juristic entities currently hold land on Koh Samui. Of these, 30.1% were classified as ordinary companies, while 66.2%, or 2,579 entities, were placed in other risk categories.
A further 142 entities, representing 3.6% of the total, were identified as companies with foreign shareholdings exceeding the legal threshold. Another small group had already been ordered by the provincial governor to dispose of their land holdings.
The companies in the foreign-shareholding category collectively hold 216 land plots covering 239 rai, 20.2 square wah, with a combined government-assessed value of 1.271 billion baht. Provincial authorities have been reviewing the cases to determine whether the land holdings comply with Thai law and whether the companies are legally entitled to retain the properties. The provincial committee has so far examined 44 cases. The governor has already ordered four entities to dispose of a total of seven plots.
Meanwhile, investigations into 138 other cases have reached conclusions and officials are preparing reports for submission to the provincial governor for consideration and further legal action in cases where the entities are found to be ineligible to hold the land. Authorities said the remaining high-risk cases would continue to be investigated and monitored to ensure land ownership complies with the law and to prevent unlawful nominee arrangements or other forms of prohibited foreign control.
Surat Thani Governor Chumphot Wannachatsiri has instructed foreign entities holding land, or companies whose foreign capital or shareholding exceeds legally permitted limits, to dispose of the properties within the periods prescribed by law. Depending on the circumstances, the entities have between 180 days and one year to complete the disposal process. If the deadline expires without the required disposal, the director-general of the Department of Lands has the authority to take possession and arrange for the sale of the land in accordance with the law.
Provincial authorities are urging affected companies and individuals to check their ownership status and comply with official orders within the specified deadlines to avoid further legal action. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of land ownership structures in popular Thai tourist destinations, particularly where companies with foreign investors acquire significant property holdings. Authorities have emphasized that the review is intended to ensure compliance with Thai land ownership regulations and protect national interests.
