A foreign national wanted in connection with an alleged nominee business scheme involving luxury villa rentals in Phuket has been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport by Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and immigration police. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place after officers from the DSI’s Surveillance and Intelligence Centre joined investigators from Immigration Division 2 at the airport in Samut Prakan. The suspect, identified only as Mr Ajeed, was detained under Criminal Court arrest warrant No. 2242/2569, issued on 21 April 2026. Authorities allege that the suspect violated Thailand’s Foreign Business Act by operating a restricted business without permission. He is also accused of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to conceal foreign ownership, allowing him to operate a luxury pool villa rental business in Phuket, which is classified as a business reserved for Thai nationals. According to investigators, the case forms part of Special Case No. 7/2567 handled by the DSI’s Security Crime Division. Officials say the nominee structure was used to disguise foreign shareholding and avoid regulatory scrutiny, with the alleged activities affecting both national security and Thailand’s economic system. Following the arrest, officers formally informed the suspect of the charges before transferring him to DSI investigators for legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed that the suspect would be handed over to public prosecutors for further action under Thai law. The operation was carried out under the direction of DSI Director-General Pol. Maj. Yutthana Praedam and Deputy Director-General Pol. Maj. Jatupol Bongkotchamas. The DSI said its Surveillance and Intelligence Centre has been tasked with locating and arresting suspects wanted under outstanding warrants to ensure they are brought before the justice system. The arrest reflects Thailand’s continuing efforts to investigate alleged foreign nominee arrangements, particularly in sectors where foreign ownership is restricted by law. Authorities have increased enforcement against businesses suspected of using Thai nominees to circumvent legal ownership requirements. Khaosod reported that as legal proceedings move forward, prosecutors will consider the evidence gathered by DSI investigators before the case proceeds through the Thai courts. Officials have not released further details about the suspect or whether additional arrests are expected. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? 12 July 2026
View full article
