Police in Krabi have uncovered a network of more than 500 nominee companies across three southern provinces following a raid on an accounting firm on April 23, 2026. Authorities said the firms were set up to allow foreign nationals to operate businesses illegally using Thai nominees. An Israeli woman was also arrested during the operation for allegedly running an illicit online business.
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The raid targeted an accounting company in Mueang Krabi district, where investigators found the same address had been used to register six nominee companies. Further inquiries revealed a wider interconnected network spanning Krabi, Phuket and Surat Thani. The operation involved Krabi police alongside Immigration officers and officials from provincial Commerce, Employment and Revenue departments.
Investigators said the firm had been illegally registering companies for foreigners, using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal ownership and business activities. Evidence was also found of assistance provided to foreigners to work and reside in Thailand unlawfully. On the second floor of the premises, officials discovered a so-called “ghost office” with non-functional computers and more than 100 company signs arranged to simulate legitimate operations.
During the raid, police arrested an Israeli woman who operated a makeup and nail art teaching business as a front. Authorities allege she was in fact producing and distributing pornography via the OnlyFans platform. Her activities are now part of the wider investigation into illegal business operations linked to the nominee network.
In a related case, police in Mae Sot arrested two Thai nationals accused of acting as nominees for foreign investors in establishing multiple companies. Officials believe these cases are connected to broader patterns of illegal corporate structures used to bypass Thai business laws.
Naewna reported that authorities are now expanding their investigation to trace financial transactions linked to the network. Officials said charges will be filed against those involved for violations of foreign business, labour and tax laws. The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal nominee arrangements and tighten enforcement against foreign-controlled businesses operating outside legal frameworks.
Picture courtesy of Naewna
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 24 Apr 2026
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