Krabi –
Authorities in Krabi Province have launched a sweeping investigation into illegal land acquisitions involving nominee companies, uncovering extensive violations under Thailand’s Land Code. The operation has been divided into two major groups of offenders.
Group 1: Nominee Companies
Nine companies were found to be operating as nominees, holding 17 plots of land totaling 6 rai, 1 ngan, and 12.4 square wah, with an estimated value of 209 million baht. The court approved 40 arrest warrants and 13 search warrants. Police successfully executed 39 arrests, including 27 Thai nationals and 11 foreigners—six Israelis, two Poles, two Swiss nationals, and one South African.
Group 2: Foreign-Controlled Companies
Eight companies were identified with foreign shareholders holding more than half of the shares. These firms controlled eight plots of land, covering 8 rai and 25.6 square wah, valued at approximately 290 million baht. The court authorized six search warrants to collect evidence and summon individuals for questioning regarding land ownership through corporate structures.
Key Cases
One of the most significant cases involved Tropical House Co., a construction and property development firm linked to Polish investors. The company specialized in building modern pool villas with private swimming pools in prime locations such as Nuea Khlong, Nong Thale, and Khao Thong, with prices starting at 11.5 million baht.
Investigations revealed that although the company had a registered capital of 4 million baht and was officially 100% Thai-owned, it controlled 16 plots of land worth around 200 million baht, far exceeding its registered capital. In reality, the firm was allegedly managed by Ms. Katarzyna and her husband Mr. Kamil, both Polish nationals, who used Thai nominees to hold shares without genuine investment.
Another major case involved Gunz Partnership Ltd., an entertainment and music services business in Krabi. The company was allegedly secretly owned by Mr. Stefan, a South African national, who relied on Thai nominees to conceal his ownership. Evidence showed that a lawyer, Mr. W., and an auditor, Ms. S., played crucial roles in fabricating documents, including using signatures of deceased individuals, to register and alter shareholder structures.
Authorities confiscated extensive documentation, including company registration papers, accounting records, computers, mobile phones, and electronic data. These materials are now under forensic review as investigators expand their probe into wider networks connected to the nominee operations.
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