DSI Sends 31 Suspects in Phuket and Samui Nominee Property Case to Prosecutors
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation has sent case files and 31 suspects in a Phuket and Koh Samui nominee property case to prosecutors, alleging illegal structures were used to conceal foreign ownership.
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation has handed the full case files and all 31 suspects in the Villa Andaman nominee property case to the Office of the Special Litigation Prosecutor, advancing a major case tied to alleged illegal foreign-controlled real estate activity in Phuket and Koh Samui.
According to the source, the case followed an investigation into networks of law firms and consultancy companies accused of using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign ownership of land and property. Investigators allege the firms helped foreign investors set up companies illegally so they could acquire land and run real estate businesses in violation of Thai law.
The DSI submitted initial investigation files on April 22, 2026 against Villa Andaman Co., Ltd. and 28 suspects, while background checks were still pending for three others. On May 25, 2026, the agency said it had completed its probe into Firefly (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and delivered the remaining suspects, identified as Mr. Symond and Ms. Vandy, to prosecutors in both their personal capacity and as company representatives.
The source said the suspects include foreign nationals Marcus, a UK citizen, and Paul, a US citizen. They are accused of arranging nominee structures to bypass restrictions under the Foreign Business Act of 1999.
The reported charges include operating businesses without authorization as foreign nationals, conspiring with Thai nationals or entities to hide foreign ownership, and serving as directors involved in corporate violations.
The DSI said the crackdown is intended to protect Thailand’s economic sovereignty and prevent foreigners from using legal loopholes to dominate the property market. Authorities also warned that such practices undermine fair competition and threaten the livelihoods of Thai citizens.
The case is now with prosecutors, who will decide the next steps under criminal procedure. The DSI said it will continue monitoring nominee networks and enforcing the law.
