UPDATE: Phuket inspects nine motorbike-rental businesses in nominee crackdown

Phuket officials inspected nine motorbike-rental businesses in Karon on 17 August 2026 as authorities intensified checks on tourism-sector businesses that may use Thai nationals as nominees for foreign owners.

The multi-agency operation was led by Phuket Vice Governor Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, acting as a security adviser to the Ministry of Interior. Police investigators, traffic officers, provincial employment officials and administrative staff also took part.

The broader campaign targets businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as proxies for foreign owners. According to the Phuket government’s report, the Karon operation was intended to “prevent and suppress” businesses that “may” use Thai nationals as nominees and to check that businesses were operating legally. The report did not identify any of the nine businesses as having been suspected of nominee arrangements before the inspections, and did not cite complaints, intelligence or other evidence against them.

Officials examined business operations, authorised managers, documents and business practices. The stated checks included shareholder structures, financial statements, information about accountants and sources of investment.

They instructed operators to comply with Thai law and advised them to ensure customers obey traffic laws and drive safely. No arrests, charges, seizures or other legal action resulting from the inspections were reported, and the government report gave no indication that officials found anything illegal at the nine businesses.

Phuket’s administration said similar inspections would continue in other high-risk sectors. Authorities said legal action would follow if violations or nominee arrangements are found.