Phuket Reset Plan Targets Crime & Foreign Nominees

Assistant Professor Dr Noppadol Kannika, a member of the National Police Policy Committee, has proposed a seven-point strategy to tackle systemic problems in Phuket and restore confidence in one of Thailand’s premier tourism destination. He said the island faces interconnected challenges involving foreign capital, nominee shareholding structures, property developments, organised influence networks, migrant labour, licensing processes and law enforcement.

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Writing on 21 June, Dr Noppadol said Phuket is no longer simply a Thai province but a gateway connecting Thailand with tourists, investors, retirees, entrepreneurs and residents from around the world. He argued that while visitors may initially come for Phuket’s beaches, their decision to return depends on confidence in safety, fairness and the rule of law.

According to Dr Noppadol, complaints have emerged over the use of Thai nominees in property businesses, property projects that fail to meet contractual obligations, incomplete construction works, unpaid returns promised to investors, and the movement of funds outside Thailand’s economic system. He also highlighted concerns that gaps within state agencies and some professional sectors may be allowing improper activities to appear legitimate.

He warned that these issues could damage not only affected buyers and businesses but also Thailand’s international reputation, competitiveness and economic performance. As Phuket serves as one of the country’s most visible destinations, any loss of confidence could affect perceptions of tourism, investment and governance nationwide.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Dr Noppadol welcomed the recent visit to Phuket by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, describing it as a significant policy signal that the government is committed to restoring confidence among residents, investors and tourists. He said the visit reflected an integrated approach balancing economic growth, law enforcement and long-term national interests.

He also pointed to ongoing strategic changes within the Royal Thai Police under National Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet. These efforts include adjustments to personnel management and law enforcement priorities aimed at addressing transnational crime, illegal businesses, influential figures and other issues affecting public confidence.

To address the challenges, Dr Noppadol proposed seven urgent measures. These include establishing a Phuket special operations centre, investigating high-risk corporate structures linked to nominee arrangements, reviewing property projects facing complaints, scrutinising construction and local licensing systems, regulating foreign workers and foreign business operators, strengthening tourist police into a “Tourist Trust Police” model, and developing a data-driven risk index using crime, financial, licensing and public feedback data.

Drawing on his academic background in data science, methodology, strategy and security studies, Dr Noppadol said Phuket’s problems require coordinated action based on data, policy and multi-agency cooperation rather than case-by-case responses.

The Daily News reported that he said the ultimate goal is not only stronger enforcement but also rebuilding confidence among local residents, Thai citizens and the international community. He added that Phuket should not become a safe haven for fraudsters, illegal nominees, grey capital networks, influential figures or corrupt officials.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 22 June 2026

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