Koh phangan: Deputy Ministers of Interior, Mr. Peerapong Suwannachawi and Mr. Worasit Liengprasit, recently conducted an inspection of Koh Phangan District in Surat Thani Province to address the issue of foreign land ownership through nominees. The visit aimed to resolve concerns about foreign-owned companies controlling local land. Upon their arrival, they met with various local officials, including Mr. Paisit Thongjerm, District Chief of Koh Phangan, and Mr. Narong Thipsiri, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, among others.
According to Thai News Agency, General Phonphir pointed out the lack of progress since the Prime Minister's visit to Koh Phangan a few months ago. He revealed that 104 foreign-owned companies possess 124 land plots. The investigation will focus on establishments suspected of being owned by nominees, with a 30-day deadline for resolution. General Phonphir emphasized that Thai land should remain under Thai ownership, that Thai people's rights should not be infringed upon, and that foreigners should not take Thai jobs. He also urged the Immigration Bureau to investigate illegally operating hotels and discussed with Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, the potential for upskilling Thai workers to enhance their income.
General Phonphir also highlighted the need to address overlapping land title deeds with the Land and Forestry Department and recommended potential legislative amendments to overcome regulatory hurdles. He raised concerns about drug sales during the Full Moon Party and the construction issues of religious sites, commending management efforts while calling for further investigation into potentially illegal businesses.
Mr. Worasit proposed adopting a model similar to Phuket's for managing hotel businesses, focusing on preventing encroachment on public spaces and ensuring guest safety. He suggested amending relevant laws, such as the Environmental Protection Act and Building Control Act, to increase government revenue from compliant hotels, which would benefit local residents by improving convenience, order, and stability.
The district chief of Koh Phangan reported the establishment of two committees to tackle labor and building issues, following problems involving Israeli nationals. Legal actions have been initiated against nominees, including the arrest of operators of an unregulated private school, "Argi Kids," which enrolled many Israeli children. Since October 1, 2025, over 107 cases have been filed against Israeli nationals.
Furthermore, Mr. Worasit and Mr. Polpeer stressed the importance of stricter firearm inspections and instructed district officers to annually verify and report on the issuance of P.3 and P.4 permits.