UPDATE: Phuket investigates complaints over Israeli-run businesses
Phuket authorities are investigating complaints that Israeli-operated businesses refused to serve Thai customers and are checking for possible illegal nominee arrangements.
Phuket authorities are investigating complaints that some Israeli-operated businesses refused to provide services to Thai customers, while checking whether foreign investors used illegal Thai nominee arrangements to conceal ownership or control.
Deputy Governor Pol Capt Khetarat Chansilp led inspections on Monday, 17 August 2026, in Patong, Kathu district. According to The Phuket Express, an Israeli-owned restaurant was inspected after complaints that it refused service to Thai customers. A tour company catering to Israeli customers and a clothing shop were also among the establishments visited.
The Phuket Express reported that Pol Capt Khetarat was acting as security adviser to the Ministry of Interior when he led the restaurant inspection. Officials from the provincial office of the Department of Employment and Kathu district administration also took part in the inspections, which were part of intensified scrutiny of foreign-operated businesses across Thailand, Mr Khetarat said.
Authorities will also inspect shops that cater exclusively to Israeli customers, including businesses displaying advertising in Hebrew, he said. Business operators must not discriminate between Thai and foreign customers and must comply with Thai law, Mr Khetarat added.
Nominee arrangements
Mr Khetarat said Phuket was stepping up efforts to tackle foreign investors suspected of using Thai nominees to conceal ownership or control of businesses.
The campaign involves local administrative authorities, police, kamnan, village heads and other agencies, and covers sectors including car rentals, hotels and restaurants, he said.
Officials will conduct direct inspections and detailed checks of corporate documents, with legal action to follow if violations are identified, Mr Khetarat said. He added that enforcement in one area was intended to deter similar violations elsewhere.
Phuket has a large population of Thai and foreign residents and more than 1,000 companies with foreign shareholders.
