Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, evicting foreign tenants

Thai authorities shut down 21 illegal villas on Koh Samui, evicting foreign tenants

Thai authorities shut down 21 luxury villas on Koh Samui’s Khao Ma Ngaen mountain due to illegal construction, evicting foreign tenants. The crackdown involved municipal, military, and ombudsman officials, targeting villas built without permits. Three of the closed villas were occupied by foreigners, including a Frenchman paying 20,000 baht monthly, unaware of the legal issues. All tenants cooperated and left quickly. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to address 46 illegal properties developed by three companies. Authorities confirmed the villas were constructed without proper building permits.