Phuket –
Police in Phuket have launched a major crackdown on foreign nationals illegally operating businesses through Thai nominees, in line with national directives to enforce the Foreign Business Act of 1999.
Under the leadership of Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, and Pol. Col. Surasak Jaidee, Superintendent of Chalong Police Station, investigators conducted a sweeping probe into suspected nominee structures in Chalong and Rawai.
Authorities discovered three companies running international schools with two foreign nationals exercising control over operations. Thai nationals were found to have assisted in registering and establishing the companies, effectively serving as nominees to circumvent restrictions under Thai law.
Following the investigation, the Phuket Provincial Court issued arrest warrants for four suspects, two foreigners and two Thai nationals. Police also initiated legal proceedings against all three companies involved.
On August 5, 2026, Pol. Lt. Col. Chayakorn Tangsakul, Chief Investigator of Chalong Police Station, led a team to execute the warrants. All four suspects were apprehended and handed over to investigators for prosecution under the Foreign Business Act.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to trace additional individuals and corporate entities potentially linked to the nominee network. As the investigation is ongoing the suspects and schools were not publicly named.
