The third phase of the nationwide crackdown began at 6am with a launch ceremony outside Phuket City Police Station before officers fanned out across the three provinces to execute court-approved search warrants.
By 9am, multi-agency teams were conducting searches at businesses in Patong, including hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants and related enterprises suspected of breaching Thailand’s nominee laws.
The operation was led by Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma and National Police Inspector-General Pol Lt Gen Nophasil Phoolsawat, together with senior officers from Region 8 Police, Phuket Provincial Police, Immigration Division 6 and representatives from the Department of Business Development, Department of Lands and other government agencies.
Police said the operation follows directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Royal Thai Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet to intensify action against the illegal use of Thai nationals to hold assets or operate businesses on behalf of foreigners.
Authorities explained that investigations are focused on company structures and shareholdings allegedly designed to allow foreigners to own land or operate restricted businesses through Thai nominees.
"If any actions are found to constitute nominee arrangements or violate relevant laws, decisive legal action will be taken," Pol Lt Gen Nophasil said.
According to investigators, Phuket has more than 30,000 registered companies, including more than 11,000 with foreign shareholders. Analysis by authorities has identified more than 600 companies considered at risk of operating as nominee businesses.
Police said earlier phases of the investigation had already resulted in summonses, arrest warrants and expanded investigations into a number of companies.
The crackdown also targets illegal land ownership.
Authorities said investigations across Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga have identified more than 46 rai of land allegedly connected to nominee arrangements, with a combined estimated value exceeding B1.05 billion.
In Phuket alone, investigators are examining approximately 15 rai and 13 square wah of land linked to suspected nominee structures.
Officials stressed the campaign is not intended to discourage legitimate foreign investment.
Instead, they said the objective is to ensure businesses operate legally while maintaining fair competition and protecting Thailand’s economic interests.
Authorities also issued a warning to law firms, accountants and business consultants, saying anyone found advising clients on how to circumvent Thai nominee laws could also face legal action.
Police said the Royal Thai Police remains committed to continuing investigations and strict enforcement to preserve confidence in Phuket and the wider Andaman region as international investment and tourism destinations.
Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub