Koh samui: Pol. Gen. Samran Nawalma has dismantled a nominee scheme in the Samui Phase 7 development, directing the province to expedite the sale of nominee companies. He highlighted discussions with foreigners that exposed loopholes allowing them to circumvent direct land purchases using long-term leases. The Deputy National Police Chief pledged to take legal action against lawyers and accountants involved in these activities.
According to Thai News Agency, General Peerapong Suwanchawi, Deputy Minister of Interior, alongside Police General Samran Nawalma and other high-ranking officials, held a press conference to announce the results of an inspection of Koh Samui and the handling of foreign nominee companies. General Peerapong stated that this initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's policy to protect national interests. The operation marks the seventh phase in Koh Samui, where approximately 12,000 legal entities exist, with around 8,000 under suspicion. The Land Department identified 3,892 companies owning land, with 138 companies found to illegally own land or have a majority of foreign shareholders, while another 2,579 are acting as nominees.
The provincial committee has been instructed to urgently address the 138 companies identified as illegally owning land, as verified by the Department of Business Development. The remaining companies under suspicion are being investigated by the Provincial Governor, the Land Department, and the Provincial Commerce Office. Legal action will be pursued against those found guilty. The investigation revealed foreign nationals circumventing regulations by purchasing land and converting it into long-term leases, renting out properties through nominee companies, and managing financial transactions that indicate illegal business intentions.
Pol. Gen. Samran reported the operation's progress to Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who emphasized the complete eradication of this scheme. The Surat Thani Provincial Police Commander mentioned that 187 cases have been concluded, with ongoing efforts to address those aiding these activities, including law and accounting firms. The Deputy National Police Chief stressed the importance of ethical guidance from these firms to ensure legal compliance.
Furthermore, the Deputy Police Chief noted that foreign suspects of various nationalities are involved. He emphasized not only pursuing arrests but also protecting tourists and supporting investment and tourism. Police Region 8 serves as a model for investigating nominee cases, with up to 101 arrest warrants available. While some suspects have left the country, 27 arrests have been made. The authorities confirmed that assets acquired legitimately would be auctioned publicly, and if confirmed legal, proceeds would be coordinated with embassies to return funds and reinstate assets to the state.
The Governor of Surat Thani Province committed to the Deputy Minister of Interior that the sale of assets by over 180 nominees would be completed by August, with the remaining cases addressed within 90 days. The commitment to reclaiming land belonging to Thailand remains firm, ensuring all procedures are followed without infringing on individual rights.