Thai authorities have searched three locations in Pattaya and Bang Lamung as part of an investigation into suspected Thai nominee arrangements used to hold land and run businesses for foreigners.
The operation on 21 August was led by Deputy Interior Minister Waris Leangprasert and Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat. It involved the Department of Provincial Administration's (DÒPA) special operations unit, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and police.
Search warrants were issued by the Criminal Court under the Foreign Business Act 1999. The investigation centres on suspected use of Thai nationals as proxy shareholders in companies said to be ultimately controlled by foreigners.
The authorities said the inquiry followed earlier checks on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani, and Phuket.
Three Pattaya targets searched
Investigators searched the KT International Law and Business office, in Soi Post Office, Pattaya Beach Soi 13, in Pattaya, which they suspect handled the registration of Cozy Beach View Co Ltd.
Officials alleged that staff from the law office had been named as shareholders on behalf of the company's real foreign owners. Documents and other evidence were seized for further examination.
The second target was Shilat Avenue Pattaya hotel, off Soi Buakhao, another legal entity which used the same law office for company registration. Investigators said employees of the office were named among the company's founders.
A deeper check reportedly found changes to the shareholder list linked to Lotus Paradise Development Co Ltd. Authorities also identified a shareholder with work history in the aluminium sales business in Samut Sakhon, which they said pointed to a complex nominee network involving several legal entities.
The third target was Cozy Beach View Co Ltd in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung. Authorities said an Israeli investor was a company director and that its shareholder structure appeared to have used Thai nationals as nominees since 2010.
Officials said there were significant director and shareholder links between Cozy Beach View and Lotus Paradise Development. The companies were said to have combined assets worth several hundred million baht.
What foreign investors should know
The raid is a reminder that foreign nationals cannot simply use Thai friends, employees or service providers to bypass restrictions on land ownership or business activities reserved for Thais.
Thailand's Foreign Business Act regulates foreign participation in a range of businesses. Using Thai nominees to conceal foreign control can expose all involved parties - including foreign investors, Thai shareholders and advisers - to investigation.
Authorities said the searches were conducted under court warrants to secure business documents and electronic communications. Computer equipment and documents were seized and frozen for forensic examination.
Waris said the Interior Ministry would work closely with the DSI to identify everyone involved and would enforce the law strictly. The officials stressed that the investigation remains focused on gathering evidence to establish relationships and conduct within the suspected network.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
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22 August 2026
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