SURAT THANI, Thailand — A Thai special task force investigating foreign-owned businesses conducted coordinated raids across four locations on Koh Phangan, seizing evidence linked to 89 companies suspected of using nominee structures to conceal land sales and evade over 152 million baht in taxes. Authorities also summoned foreign tourists for questioning after discovering illegal luxury villas in operation.
The operation, overseen by Pol. Col. Sirichai Suksat, Deputy Chief of Surat Thani Provincial Police, followed directives from Governor Thirut Supaviboonpol to crack down on illegal business activities involving foreigners. Teams briefed for over an hour before deploying to the targeted locations.
The first target was a commercial building along Talad Mai Road, housing a consultancy office facilitating company registrations, accounting, and legal services. The second location, nearby, was registered under the same owner and included offices for a total of 89 companies. Officials seized documents, computers, and other materials for further investigation, though one of the sites was found vacant.
The third target, the residence of the company owner, was searched, but the owner was absent, reportedly in Bangkok with a foreign spouse. Authorities collected relevant documents on-site.
The fourth location, a beachfront villa project at Khao Hin Nok, consisted of eight villas. Seven were occupied by foreign tourists paying roughly 13,000 baht per night. Local authorities confirmed the villas were operating without hotel permits, prompting officials to summon the caretaker and six foreign occupants for questioning.
Investigations revealed that the villa project, initially linked to Israeli investors, involves a total of 2.5 rai of land held by two Thai-registered companies with 49% Israeli ownership. Additional nominee companies appear to have been used to mask property sales and avoid tax obligations, according to authorities.
This operation highlights Thai authorities’ intensified efforts to tackle foreign-led corporate structures and unlicensed hospitality ventures that circumvent regulations and tax obligations. (TNA)
