The operation, led by Phuket Provincial Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, brought together officers from Phuket Provincial Police, the Ministry of Commerce and the Department of Provincial Administration, alongside officials from the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office and the Phuket Provincial Administration.
The raids were announced during a press conference held at Phuket Provincial Police Headquarters yesterday (Mar 31), following government directives to tackle economic crimes, particularly the use of Thai ‘nominees’ by foreign nationals to circumvent business ownership laws.
Authorities confirmed that court-issued search warrants were executed at eight targeted locations spanning multiple sectors, including car rental businesses, real estate operations and a childcare facility.
The inspections were carried out across several police jurisdictions. Patong Police Station searched one car rental business, while Chalong Police Station inspected a car rental outlet and a childcare centre. Cherng Talay Police Station targeted a real estate operation, and Karon Police Station, Kamala Police Station and Sakhu Police Station each searched car rental businesses. The Investigation Division of Phuket Provincial Police also conducted a separate raid on a car rental firm.
Officials examined a range of documentation during the raids, including company registration papers, business licences, declared capital, shareholder structures and financial records, in a bid to determine whether foreign nationals were unlawfully controlling businesses through Thai proxies.
Pol Maj Gen Sinlert said the operation focused on gathering evidence of illegal arrangements in which Thai nationals act as shareholders on behalf of foreigners, enabling them to operate businesses restricted under Thai law.
He warned that those found involved would face legal action at all levels, including the companies themselves, Thai nominee shareholders and the foreign nationals behind the operations.
“Legal proceedings will be taken decisively,” he said.
Police confirmed that seven nominee-related cases have already been processed in Phuket, with some concluded and others still under judicial review.
Authorities also issued a public warning, urging Thai nationals not to act as nominees for foreign investors in exchange for financial gain, stressing that such actions carry severe criminal penalties.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected illegal business activities to their local police station or via the 191 hotline, which operates around the clock.
The Phuket Provincial Police said enforcement efforts against nominee-based business operations will continue as part of a broader push to protect the local economy and ensure fair competition for Thai businesses.