Koh Phangan hotel raids target 4 resorts in nominee ownership probe
Koh Phangan, Surat Thani — Authorities have intensified their campaign against nominee-owned businesses on Koh Phangan, launching coordinated raids on unlicensed hotels in the island’s Sri Thanu area. The operation…
Authorities raided four suspected nominee-owned resorts in Koh Phangan’s Sri Thanu area on May 9, 2026, in a crackdown on unlicensed hotel operations tied to foreign investment structures. Investigators told the Phuket Express they made undercover purchases before moving in, and said the operation found apparent violations of the Hotel Act (2004) while widening scrutiny of tourism businesses beyond Phuket.
Police said one targeted property, a resort with Swiss and Thai shareholders, was offering 23 rooms. A Thai woman was arrested there and charged with operating a hotel without a license.
Arrests, closures and room counts at the four resorts
A residence resort with Slovenian and Thai shareholders had closed shortly before officers arrived. Authorities did not report arrests at that property.
At a resort with Greek and Thai shareholders, officers found eight rooms in service. A Thai operator was arrested, along with two Myanmar nationals accused of working illegally.
A beach and wellness resort with Uruguayan and Thai shareholders had 12 rooms available. A Uruguayan man identified himself as the owner and was charged with operating without a license.
Documents seized as officials examine nominee structures
Three people now face prosecution for running hotels without authorization, officials said. Investigators also seized shareholder records and financial documents to trace money flows and examine land ownership.
Authorities said they suspect nominee arrangements in which Thai nationals act as proxies for foreign investors to bypass restrictions under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act. The ownership structures identified in the raids involved nationals from Switzerland, Slovenia, Greece and Uruguay.
Officials said Sri Thanu, an area known for a Jewish religious site, has become a hub for Israeli residents and visitors. Investigators believe many foreigners there may be renting out villas or private homes outside the licensing rules that apply to hotels and resorts.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/09/authorities-crack-down-on-four-suspected-nominee-owned-hotels-in-koh-phangan/
