Phonphir revealed that more than 100 companies in Phuket are linked to a nominee network, generating revenues over 5 billion baht. These involve Israelis who have acquired Thai nationality. He has ordered an investigation into the financial trails and vowed full legal action, declaring he will expel the wrongdoers from the country.
At 10:10 a.m. on 7 Aug 2026 at Government House, Phonphir Suwannachawi, Deputy Minister of Interior, spoke about his visit to the Chabad Center in Pa Tong Subdistrict, Kathu District, Phuket Province, to inspect and regulate foreign businesses. He noted that during a confrontation with Israelis on 25 July, they began expanding the investigation involving both Thai shareholders and foreigners—specifically Israelis holding Thai nationality. He said he will not stop. Given the tone and manner of discussions, which seemed questionable, they expanded the inquiry. To date, investigations have uncovered over 100 companies linked to this network, with revenues exceeding 5 billion baht last year.
The businesses applying for licenses are diverse, ranging from car rentals and convenience services to tours, believed to include budget "zero-dollar" tours. The investigation will extend to other tourist islands and shelters in other regions. He has instructed the Department of Provincial Administration, including its director-general and deputy, and contacted the Ministry of Justice to investigate the financial flows. He has specific targets in mind and will conduct further checks. Regarding Thai shareholders or facilitators, they will examine the sources of collected funds to determine whether the capital originates from foreigners. If proven, this clearly constitutes nominee arrangements. They are not concerned about some foreigners who have acquired Thai nationality, but illegal business activities or unlawful registrations will be fully prosecuted under the Ministry of Interior's authority and related agencies receiving the information.
Phonphir added that besides other service businesses, there are also educational institutions involved, considered nominees of Canadian nationality. The investigation will continue broadly until these wrongdoers are removed from the country.
When asked if those granted Thai nationality might repeat cases like with the Chinese, Phonphir said there is no need to worry because they will examine how the nationality was obtained, the supporting documents, and the origins. It may not be genuine Israelis; they might have previously acquired other nationalities to facilitate Thai nationality applications. He has spoken with the director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration to review nationality application methods and documents for any suspicious approvals—such as acquiring nationality B before applying for Thai nationality—which raises concerns. The intention may be to hold multiple nationalities partly to facilitate business, possibly conducting business in other countries to obtain nationality first, then engaging in illegal business and investing foreign capital in Thailand while transferring money out of the country. The Ministry of Interior aims to protect genuine Thai operators and prevent foreigners from exploiting Thai interests.
When asked whether Thai people can be assured these groups will not infiltrate Thai nationality, Phonphir said such matters may have been embedded in Thailand for some time. However, the Prime Minister's policy is clear: those exploiting Thai people and illegal operators, especially foreigners, must be removed from the country. Investigations require time; if there is suspicion, immediate arrests are not possible. They must trace financial flows, land ownership, registration methods, and shareholders involved in the business. This may take some time, but progress has been substantial.