Worasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, cracked down on a nominee network in Phuket, finding 16 offenders—10 Thais and 6 foreigners—who had established businesses competing with Thai locals, including international schools, car rentals, and restaurants. Shockingly, authorities uncovered 361 companies illegally seizing land.
On 7 Aug 2026 GMT+7 in Phuket Province, Worasit Liangprasert, Deputy Minister of Interior, spoke about the phase 4 operation against foreign nominee networks in Phuket conducted from 6–7 Aug. Yesterday, Chotinrin Kerdsom, Governor of Phuket, and his team inspected and found 16 offenders operating as nominees—10 Thais and 6 foreigners, including 2 Canadians, 3 Russians, and 1 Kazakh. These individuals violated the law by conducting businesses such as car and motorcycle rentals, car care services, international schools, restaurants, IT app development, electronics sales, and traditional Thai medicine pharmacies. Authorities arrested and are prosecuting them according to the law.
Worasit affirmed to the public that the government, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is sincerely committed to tackling foreign nominee networks to protect Thai citizens' rights.
Although the government welcomes foreign investment in Thailand, it will not tolerate illegal activities or intimidation causing distress to Thai people. For example, in Koh Samui district, Surat Thani Province, foreigners threatened the lives of Thai entrepreneurs—actions the government cannot accept.
Regarding foreigners illegally holding land in violation of the Land Code, Worasit said authorities have identified 361 companies requiring action. So far, 149 cases have been filed, 4 prosecuted in court, and 4 court orders imposing fines have been issued.