An Israeli national wanted in connection with an alleged nominee land ownership scheme on Koh Phangan has been arrested at Samui Airport after returning to Thailand. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Eden Alisa, was detained on 10 June 2026 by Surat Thani Immigration Police working with Koh Phangan Police under an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court.

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The arrest forms part of a wider government crackdown on multiple foreign nominee businesses and illegal foreign investment activities. Authorities said the operation targets foreign groups accused of using Thai nationals as proxies to conceal land ownership and business interests that may breach Thai law.

The case is linked to the “Foreign Nominee Network on Koh Phangan” operation launched in mid-May 2026. During that campaign, authorities obtained 45 arrest warrants. So far, 27 suspects have been arrested, while efforts continue to locate the remaining 18 individuals.

According to police, Eden Alisa is a shareholder in Alisa Paradise Co Ltd. Investigators allege the company was established using Thai nominee shareholders to acquire land on Koh Phangan. Officials said the suspect left Thailand before authorities executed search warrants connected to the investigation.

Immigration investigators later learned that Alisa planned to return to Thailand through Samui Airport at approximately 10.30am on 10 June. Officers intercepted and arrested him upon arrival.

Police said the suspect was wanted under Koh Samui Provincial Court warrant number 121/2569, dated 21 May 2026. The allegation concerns jointly submitting false information to land officials in order to obtain land possession through a company allegedly established with Thai nominee shareholders.

During initial questioning, Alisa reportedly admitted he was the individual named in the warrant. He told investigators that he had hired an accounting company to register Alisa Paradise Co Ltd and used Thai shareholders supplied by the firm to act as nominees. He allegedly intended to use the company to acquire land on Koh Phangan for the future construction of a private holiday home.

The suspect has been transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities said the investigation will now be expanded to examine the wider network involved in the arrangement.

Khaosod reported that officials are to investigate the accounting firm and any Thai nationals who agreed to act as nominee shareholders. Further arrests or legal action may follow as authorities continue efforts to dismantle other alleged nominee structures linked to foreign land ownership.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 11 June 2026

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Would not a simple solution be to ban all nominee structures from owning land ?

Or am i missing something as to why this loop was/is allowed ?