Phuket —
Deputy Interior Minister Polpee Suwanachawi has revealed that a sweeping investigation into business ownership in Phuket has uncovered more than 400 companies suspected of acting as “nominees” for foreign investors. The probe, conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, examined over 10,000 registered firms in the province.
Authorities say nominee structures, where Thai nationals hold assets or business licenses on behalf of foreign interests, are being used to conceal unlawful land ownership and circumvent restrictions on foreign participation in certain sectors.
“If the investigation confirms violations of the law, offenders will be compelled to sell the land and face both civil and criminal prosecution,” Polpee declared, stressing that the government will act decisively to prevent disguised foreign control of local assets.
The crackdown also extends to questionable land documentation. Officials are investigating cases where land titles were improperly expanded, for example, increasing plots from five to eight rai, or issued over forest reserves and agricultural reform zones. The Department of Lands has been ordered to conduct a full historical review to determine when and how such irregularities occurred, and whether state officials were complicit.
Reports suggest that as many as 30–40% of businesses in Phuket may be operating illegally. However, Polpee cautioned against blanket closures, noting that such measures could destabilize the province’s economy and tourism industry, and affect many Thai employees as well. Instead, he urged responsible agencies to explain why unlicensed businesses were allowed to operate unchecked, while stressing that enforcement must be firm yet measured. Divestment and restructuring with transparent review may also be possible in some cases.
Within the next two weeks, the Deputy Interior Minister will personally visit Phuket to oversee progress. He stated that all actions must follow due legal process, rejecting any notion of arbitrary power. Provincial governors and local administrators have been instructed to tighten enforcement and prevent influential groups from exploiting citizens.
Polpee also confirmed that parliamentary committees studying the issue will be invited to join discussions, ensuring that solutions are comprehensive and transparent. “We will not allow legal loopholes to be rewritten for the benefit of wrongdoers,” he said. “Our goal is to bring all operators back into compliance under a fair and lawful system.”
