UPDATE: DSI arrests foreign suspect in Phuket luxury villa nominee case

Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation has arrested a foreign suspect in a nominee-business case linked to a luxury villa rental operation in Phuket, with authorities identifying the man as Mr. Ajid, whose surname was withheld.

The DSI said officers from its Surveillance and Intelligence Center, working with Immigration Police at Suvarnabhumi Airport, arrested Ajid on Wednesday, June 8, under a Criminal Court warrant issued on April 21, 2026.

Authorities allege that Ajid used Thai nominees to illegally operate a luxury villa rental business in Phuket in violation of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542. They said he conspired with Thai nationals to conceal foreign ownership and control of a prohibited business sector and acted as a director and shareholder in companies that operated luxury pool villa rentals, which the source says is a business reserved exclusively for Thai nationals.

During the arrest, officers informed the suspect of his rights under the Criminal Procedure Code and carried out continuous audio and video recording of the detention process in line with the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act B.E. 2565, according to the source.

The suspect was subsequently handed over to DSI investigators for further legal proceedings. The case has been designated a Special Case by the Division of Security Cases.

Officials said nominee structures used to bypass restrictions on foreign business ownership undermine national security and distort the country’s economic system.

The DSI said the suspect will be transferred to the Office of the Special Case Prosecutor on July 9, 2026, to face formal charges.