The Prime Minister raided an illegal pool villa on Koh Phangan, ordering an investigation into financial channels after discovering it was owned by an Israeli using Thai nominees. He apologized on behalf of the Deputy Government Spokesperson for a misunderstanding about foreigners conducting business without permits.
At 13:48 on 13 May 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at house number 39/15, Moo 7, Choloklam Village, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Surat Thani Province. This location houses Taylor Villa Company Limited. He gathered with accompanying ministers, officials, and local government agencies overseeing Koh Phangan in front of the illegally constructed pool villa.
Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, reported on the establishment of the illegally built pool villa owned by an Israeli, as part of the operation to crack down on foreign nominees on Koh Phangan.
The Prime Minister said, "Please prove whether the shareholders are foreigners. If they hold shares, it violates the rules prohibiting foreigners from buying land in Thailand. The perpetrators know they have no right to own land but use nominees to falsely present the company as Thai to the public. I also request an investigation into the company's financial transactions."
Later, the Prime Minister was interviewed about the Cabinet's approval to ease restrictions allowing foreigners to invest in eight businesses without needing business licenses. He said, "On 12 May, we appointed a Deputy Government Spokesperson from a coalition party who was eager to start work quickly and gave a press briefing on this. I have already reprimanded the official, as each coalition party has ministries responsible, such as the Pheu Thai Party overseeing Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Labor Ministries. Each is responsible for their work. I apologize for the mistake in having the Deputy Government Spokesperson issue a statement on such an important matter."
When asked if the resolution meant foreigners were freely allowed to do business, the Prime Minister said, "It is about reducing redundant procedures. For example, foreigners applying to do business in Thailand must get permits from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, Department of Industrial Works, and the Ministry of Interior, but no longer need to apply again at the Ministry of Commerce. This was proposed by the Commerce Minister to avoid duplication. The Ministry of Commerce registers the business, while licensing is handled by the relevant authorities. However, on 12 May, the Deputy Government Spokesperson briefly and inaccurately said foreigners don’t need permits to do business in Thailand. This is incorrect. Permits are still required from the proper authorities; they just don’t have to apply at the Ministry of Commerce again. We are trying to streamline procedures to provide one-stop service as much as possible under facilitation policy. I apologize for this."
When asked if there were instructions regarding nominees on Koh Phangan, the Prime Minister said, "Today I came to inspect nominee issues. Importantly, let’s not discuss whether land encroachment occurred; the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Department of Lands will handle that. We are reviewing companies set up and sold to foreigners. Foreigners can hold up to 49 percent shares, but currently, multiple companies are cross-linked to appear Thai-owned, while actually foreign-controlled 100 percent, which violates the spirit of Thai law."
"Anyone owning land via a Thai company must have at least 51 percent Thai ownership. Here, it is 100 percent foreign-owned. The company exists, but the Thai control gradually dissolves. Simply put, it’s like foreigners wearing black wigs and black hair, but ultimately foreigners still control. We must correct this."
When asked if preliminary policies or guidelines were given amid legal advice, the Prime Minister said, "Companies have legal advisors for accounting and operations. There are seven founders, all must be Thai, with over 50 percent capital. The Ministry of Commerce approves such companies. But in cases like this, where one person holds shares in over 200 companies, it’s selling company shells to foreigners to operate businesses, violating the law’s intent. We believe legal action can proceed. The police are also investigating the money’s origin to see if funds are laundered into land ownership giving foreigners control. We must block these activities."
Reporters noted that the Prime Minister then met with waiting locals, giving a large bouquet before walking along the beach. He urged everyone to keep the beach and water clean, saying, "Don’t let the water become murky; we must all help preserve it." He spoke casually with villagers, who invited him to squid fishing. The Prime Minister replied, "I can’t today; I have to travel to Phuket." The villagers said the squid here tastes delicious and not salty. The Prime Minister responded in southern dialect, "Delicious indeed."
At one point, the Prime Minister asked villagers if there were many fish here and what kinds of fish were in the sea. The villagers answered, "Squid and mackerel," but the Prime Minister said, "King mackerel."