PHUKET – In one of the largest land fraud crackdowns in recent history, Thai authorities launched a massive, coordinated security operation across southern Thailand. More than 500 police officers and government officials simultaneously raided properties across Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi. The sweep targeted illegal corporate structures that foreigners use to bypass the strict land ownership laws of Thailand.
The multi-agency task force targeted 89 plots of land covering approximately 49 rai. The total value of the properties exceeds 1.05 billion baht ($28.6 million USD), according to the Bangkok Post.
During the early morning raids, authorities executed dozens of warrants, leading to the arrest of 31 foreign nationals and 26 Thai citizens. Investigators allege that these individuals ran complex fraudulent networks designed to hide foreign control over premium real estate.
Key Takeaways
- Massive Scale: Over 500 law enforcement officers raided 89 land plots across Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi.
- Billion-Baht Seizure: The operation froze real estate and corporate assets valued at more than 1,053 million baht.
- Dozens Arrested: Police executed 59 warrants, detaining 31 foreigners and 26 Thai accomplices.
- Extreme Forgery: Investigators found corporate networks using signatures of deceased individuals to register fake Thai shareholders.
The sweeping operation did not stop at property lines. In nearby Phang Nga province, heavily armed officers moved in on a prominent, unlicensed luxury villa hotel. Police promptly arrested the company director, a British national identified publicly as Mr. Andrew.
Local investigators found that the high-end resort lacked a valid hotel license. Furthermore, the company structure relied on illegal Thai proxy shareholders to secure the land. This specific raid highlighted how foreign operators utilize local networks to run highly profitable hospitality businesses right under the eyes of local regulators.
Deceased Persons Used to Forge Property Records
As the investigation widened into Krabi province, detectives uncovered even more shocking details regarding the depths of the corporate deception. According to local media outlet Khaosod English, one criminal network went as far as using the identities of dead people.
The fraudulent group forged the signatures of deceased Thai individuals on official corporate documents to satisfy legal ownership ratios. Under Thai law, foreigners cannot own land directly and cannot hold more than 49% of shares in a local business. By using dead people and low-income relatives as fake business partners, these networks managed to control valuable beachfront landscapes.
The Royal Thai Police stated that this three-province sweep is only the third phase of an ongoing campaign. High-ranking officials confirmed that the crackdown will expand to other popular tourist destinations, including Surat Thani and Pattaya.
The government wants to protect national resources and ensure that foreign investors follow legitimate business paths. Authorities are now auditing hundreds of local accounting and law firms suspected of helping foreigners set up illegal proxy corporations.
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