Hua hin: In a decisive move against foreign nominee operations, Deputy National Police Chief "Big Ran" spearheaded an investigation targeting the illicit ownership of properties in Hua Hin. This initiative was launched after it was discovered that foreigners had registered companies to control 33 properties in the area, valued at approximately 300 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Nophasil Phoolsawat, led a coordinated effort involving police, administrative officials, and other related agencies. Their focus was on dismantling a network of foreign nominees running illegal pool villas in the Phase 6 area of Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The operation targeted a particular pool villa where a Thai national had registered the property as a company, which was not being used for business but as a residence for foreigners. Further investigation identified the company as being registered under an Australian national.
Pol. Gen. Samran disclosed that their investigations revealed how foreigners utilized Thai nationals and legal entities as nominees to establish illegal companies, enabling them to own land, houses, and other real estate in Hua Hin and nearby regions, totaling 33 companies. The operation led to the arrest of 45 foreigners still residing in the vicinity, and summonses have been issued to 39 Thai nationals who registered these companies on behalf of the foreigners.
Initially, the foreign nationals claimed they wanted to own real estate and were advised by legal and accounting firms to form companies to hold real estate in Thailand, believing this was a legal route. However, these companies did not engage in any business activities. This account aligns with statements from Thai shareholders of the illegal companies, who admitted to holding shares on behalf of the foreign nationals without any financial involvement or management duties. The intent was to obscure the true ownership of the real estate by the foreign nationals. Authorities are currently gathering evidence, tracing financial transactions, and extending their investigation to include related individuals or networks both within Thailand and internationally.