Phuket nominee crackdown questioned over lack of action against facilitators

Authorities have intensified a crackdown on nominee businesses in Phuket but have not indicated whether the lawyers, accountants, company formation agents and other professionals who may have helped establish and maintain those companies are being investigated.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma and National Police Inspector-General Pol Lt Gen Nophasil Phoolsawat joined senior officers from Region 8 Police, Phuket Provincial Police and Immigration Division 6 in Phuket on 20 June 2026. Representatives from the Department of Business Development (DBD), Department of Lands and other government agencies also took part in the operation.

Police said the crackdown followed directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Royal Thai Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet to intensify action against the illegal use of Thai nationals to hold assets or operate businesses for foreigners.

Since the operation began, police have arrested foreign suspects, charged Thai nominee shareholders and started legal action against dozens of companies accused of concealing foreign ownership.

However, authorities have provided no indication that the professionals who may have facilitated the arrangements are being targeted. On 15 July 2026, the DBD said preliminary investigations had identified lawyers and accountants involved.