Phuket linked to major nominee firm as Krabi raid exposes 500-company network
The operation, carried out yesterday (Apr 23) targeted a firm in Sai Thai subdistrict, Mueang Krabi, following intelligence that it had been registering companies using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal foreign…
A nominee firm connected to Phuket was raided in Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi, on April 23 after authorities uncovered a network allegedly registering over 500 companies to conceal foreign ownership across Krabi, Phuket, and Surat Thani. Officials from multiple agencies seized documents showing the firm used Thai nationals as nominees and staged a “ghost office” to mislead inspectors.
Evidence of Large-Scale Network and Ghost Office
Investigators found the same address used repeatedly to register numerous companies, with over 100 company name signs and non-functioning computers present on the premises. Documents indicated the firm facilitated unlawful work and residency for foreigners in Thailand.
The staged office appeared operational but was set up to deceive authorities, police said. The Provincial Commerce Office, Employment Office, Revenue Department, and Immigration joined the operation as part of a broader crackdown on illegal foreign business activity.
Linked Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
A 30-year-old Israeli woman was arrested in Bangkok by Immigration Bureau Division 3 for allegedly using a registered beauty business as a front to produce and distribute explicit content on OnlyFans. In Mae Sot, two Thai nationals were detained for acting as nominees by holding shares for foreign operators tied to the network.
Officials are seeking the owner of the accounting firm and tracing financial transactions to identify further suspects. The investigation continues, with legal action under consideration for offences related to foreign business operations, nominee use, labour, and tax violations.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-linked-to-major-nominee-firm-as-krabi-raid-exposes-500-company-network-100012.php
