Krabi Police Arrest 39 in Land Nominee Crackdown

Authorities in Krabi have launched an investigation into alleged illegal land acquisitions through nominee companies, uncovering extensive violations of Thailand’s Land Code. The operation targeted companies suspected of using Thai nationals to conceal foreign ownership of land and businesses.

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The investigation was divided into two groups of offenders. The first focused on nominee companies, where nine firms were found to be holding 17 plots of land covering over 6 rai, with an estimated value of 209 million baht. The court approved 40 arrest warrants and 13 search warrants in connection with the cases.

Police successfully arrested 39 suspects, including 27 Thai nationals and 11 foreign nationals. Those detained comprised six Israelis, two Polish nationals, two Swiss nationals and one South African. Authorities allege the companies were operating as nominees in violation of Thai law.

The second group involved eight companies in which foreign shareholders allegedly held more than half of the shares. These firms controlled eight plots of land covering over 8 rai, with a combined value of approximately 290 million baht. The court authorised six search warrants as investigators gathered evidence and summoned individuals for questioning over the ownership structures.

One of the most significant cases involved Tropical House Co., a construction and property development company linked to Polish investors. The firm specialised in modern pool villas with swimming pools in Nuea Khlong, Nong Thale and Khao Thong, with properties starting at 11.5 million baht.

Investigators found that despite having a registered capital of 4 million baht and being officially listed as 100 per cent Thai-owned, the company controlled 16 plots of land valued at around 200 million baht. Authorities allege the business was actually managed by Polish nationals Ms. Katarzyna and her husband Mr. Kamil, who used Thai nominees to hold shares without making genuine investments.

Another key case involved Gunz Partnership Ltd., an entertainment and music services company in Krabi. Investigators allege the business was secretly owned by Mr. Stefan, a South African national, through Thai nominees who concealed his ownership interests.

Police said evidence indicated that a lawyer, identified only as Mr. W., and an auditor, identified only as Ms. S., played significant roles in preparing false documentation. Investigators allege the documents included the use of signatures belonging to deceased individuals to register and modify shareholder structures.

ThaiPost reported that authorities seized large quantities of evidence during the operation, including company registration documents, accounting records, computers, mobile phones and electronic data. The materials are now undergoing forensic examination as investigators expand the inquiry into wider networks linked to the alleged nominee arrangements.

Picture courtesy of ThaiPost

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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiPost 23 June 2026

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