Thai authorities have conducted a major operation against nominee business networks, raiding seven locations on Koh Samui on February 25, 2025. The crackdown follows allegations that a luxury property project, “Seabreeze,” owned by a German national, illegally encroached on land and used Thai nationals as proxy shareholders.
The Surat Thani Provincial Police, in coordination with Immigration Police, Tourist Police, and the Forensic Science Center 8, led the operation. The investigation was launched after Koh Samui Municipality authorized a civil engineer to file a complaint with Bo Phut Police Station, accusing a company of violating the Building Control Act and engaging in nominee business practices.
Authorities identified a law firm that allegedly assisted the German investor in setting up the Seabreeze project. The firm is suspected of having facilitated the establishment of over 160 companies for foreign clients, enabling them to operate businesses in Koh Samui, including villa rentals, restaurants, and tourism services.
During the operation, officials searched seven locations, including the law firm’s headquarters, as well as six other businesses linked to foreign directors registered at the same address. Investigators seized company registration documents, accounting records, investment contracts, tax filings, employment records, and computer hard drives for further legal proceedings.
The Transnational Criminal and Illegal Immigration Suppression Center is now reviewing the seized evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into nominee business practices and potential violations of Thai business laws.
