Myndigheter jagar olagliga verksamheter som drivs av utlänningar

[Isan Lover]

Hej

House committee presses crackdown on foreign nominee property in Pattaya
September 12, 2026, 12:30 PM

Photo courtesy of Public Affairs Division Royal Thai Police

A House committee is pressing for a system-wide crackdown on foreign nominee businesses in Thailand’s tourist cities, including Pattaya. The tourism committee met at Parliament on September 10 with officials from eight agencies, spokesman Yodchai Peungporn said.

Yodchai said police had found about 14,000 companies that fit the nominee profile in the fourth phase of their crackdown, which covers Pattaya. He called “grey Thais”, foreigners who hold land using Thai identity cards, a key part of the problem and a grave threat. Because they transact as Thais, he said, the country risks losing land, economic activity and state revenue, Dailynews reported.

Nationwide, officials have identified 36,277 foreign-invested companies holding 305,838 land plots. High-risk nominee registrations fell from 894 in August 2025 to 163 in August 2026, government spokesman Ekkapop Pienpises said, Thai Examiner reported.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office has seized or frozen 34 more assets, worth about 8.27 billion baht, in the Yim Liak and Ben Smith case. That brings the case to 102 assets worth about 20.39 billion baht.

Police opened the fourth phase of their nominee crackdown in Chonburi on July 17, led by deputy national police chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma. They said a group of Russians, helped by some Thais and a licensed bookkeeper, had set up companies to hold detached houses. The companies held about 775 houses worth more than 5 billion baht in six housing projects under the S Pattaya name.

Of the 495 companies holding the houses, 435 had foreign shareholders, the Royal Thai Police said. Police singled out 19 suspected nominee firms and 14 foreign-majority firms holding land, 33 targets in all.

The committee wants a systemic fix, from entry and business registration to checks on shareholders, funding and land holding. It said the aim is fair competition, without harming foreigners who live or do business legally.

House committee presses crackdown on foreign nominee property in Pattaya

Thailand's foreign nominee property crackdown in Pattaya uncovered six housing projects worth over 5 billion baht.

thethaiger.com

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[Isan Lover]

Hej

Tensions Mount Over Israeli’s Living and Working in Thailand​

Last updated: September 14, 2026 6:36 am
6 hours ago

BANGKOK – Tensions are rising in Thailand as public concern mounts over the conduct of Israeli tourists and expats, alongside investigations into potential illegal land ownership and business practices. The unease centers around key tourist destinations, notably Koh Phangan and Phuket, as well as Chachoengsao province, bringing into question how strictly Thai authorities enforce property and corporate laws.

A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed a hardening of Thai public sentiment. Among respondents familiar with the situation, 77.49% demanded strict enforcement of the law, with the majority citing disrespect for Thai laws, impolite behavior, and disregard for local culture as their primary concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Widespread Business Probes: Authorities are actively investigating networks of companies—suspected to be over 40 firms—linked to Israeli nationals for potentially using Thai nominees to illegally bypass foreign ownership laws.
• Cemetery and Land Scrutiny: The investigation gained momentum after irregularities were found at a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao, leading to a broader probe of over 14,000 foreign-linked firms controlling billions of baht in property.
• Public Backlash: Public anger culminated in protests led by activist Sondhi Limthongkul outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, demanding stricter oversight of Israeli citizens in Thailand.

A focal point of the rising tensions is the suspected use of “nominee” arrangements. Under the Thai Foreign Business Act, foreign nationals are generally restricted from holding more than a 49% stake in companies or directly owning land.

However, an intricate system of legal advisors and proxy Thai shareholders has long been utilized to circumvent these rules. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explicitly addressed this during a raid on an illegally constructed pool villa on Koh Phangan, noting that while companies may appear Thai on paper, they are often 100% foreign-controlled.

Recent joint operations by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Department of Business Development (DBD) on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan uncovered extensive illicit land acquisitions. These operations targeted shell companies, wellness fronts, and luxury hotels allegedly operating with illegal foreign control and bypassing statutory regulations.

The Gan Chabad Investigation​

The scrutiny has extended beyond traditional tourist businesses. The Interior Ministry is currently conducting a wide-ranging inquiry into Gan Chabad Co., Ltd., a company associated with Chabad houses in Thailand. The investigation began with a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao, where authorities allege burials continued even after the site’s operating license expired.

The probe has since ballooned, with officials examining whether Gan Chabad and its directors are part of a wider network of companies utilizing nominee structures. The interior ministry is looking at dozens of linked businesses, including kosher restaurants and tourism firms, to determine if they comply with Thai law. Authorities are also investigating the process by which some individuals connected to these organizations obtained Thai citizenship.

Protests and Diplomatic Responses​

The controversy moved from local disputes to national headlines when hundreds of protesters, led by veteran activist Sondhi Limthongkul, rallied outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok. The demonstrators, rallying under the “Take Thailand Back” campaign, demanded the Israeli government regulate the behavior of its citizens and cooperate fully with Thai law enforcement regarding the ongoing nominee and land ownership investigations.

The protests and the resulting NIDA poll clearly show a shift in the public mood. With nearly half of the polled respondents suggesting shorter permitted stays for Israeli visitors, the situation places pressure on the Thai government to balance its vital tourism industry with the enforcement of domestic laws and the preservation of national sovereignty.

Tensions Mount Over Israeli's Living and Working in Thailand

BANGKOK - Tensions are rising in Thailand as public concern mounts over the conduct of Israeli tourists and expats, alongside investigations into potential

www.chiangraitimes.com

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[Isan Lover]

Hej

Opinion poll shows public concern about Israeli misbehaviour in Thailand amid a febrile political mood​

September 14, 2026 at 1:27 am

Thailand faces a febrile week as anger over Israelis spreads from a NIDA poll to street protests. Sondhi targets foreign influence, Phuket cancels a Jewish event and the EC prepares a ruling on 138 senators that could ignite a wider political crisis.

Thailand is entering a volatile political week as public anger over Israeli nationals collides with economic strain, street protests and a deepening Senate crisis. A new NIDA poll shows 77.49% want strict enforcement of Thai law, while nearly half want shorter stays for Israelis. The findings follow embassy protests, the cancellation of a major Jewish event in Phuket and growing scrutiny of foreign landholding and nominee firms. Meanwhile, the Election Commission must rule on 229 people in the 2024 Senate collusion case, including 138 serving senators. The combined pressure now reaches tourism, business, national security, Thailand’s ties with Israel and the credibility of its political institutions.

Israeli Embassy deputy chief Rami Teplitskiy responds on video as a NIDA poll shows anger over Israelis rising and Thailand enters a febrile political week. (Source: Khaosod)

Thai public concern over Israeli nationals has hardened sharply amid protests, diplomatic intervention and mounting political pressure.

A major NIDA opinion poll released Sunday now puts hard numbers behind that change. Some 77.49% of respondents familiar with the controversy demanded strict enforcement of Thai law. Notably, 45.45% wanted shorter permitted stays for Israeli visitors.

The findings followed an extraordinary six days of protests, diplomatic exchanges and growing security concerns. Separately, Thailand faces another political flashpoint on Monday. The Election Commission must rule on the 2024 Senate collusion case involving 229 people.

That decision reaches deep into Thailand’s political establishment. It covers 138 serving senators and figures connected with Bhumjaithai. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s party rejects claims that an organised operation controlled the Senate selection.

Economic strain deepens as foreign ownership and Israeli activity become sharper political concerns​

Behind both controversies sits a difficult economic backdrop. Thailand’s economy continues growing, but that expansion remains uneven. Household income growth has slowed, while living costs have risen. At the same time, smaller businesses face tight credit and fierce competition.

The Bank of Thailand has described economic growth as low and uneven. SME lending continues contracting, while banks remain cautious about vulnerable borrowers. In contrast, large companies and technology-linked investors have performed more strongly.

Foreign investment remains central to Bangkok’s economic strategy. Yet foreign ownership, nominee structures and overseas influence have become increasingly prominent political issues. Within that wider argument, Israeli nationals have become unusually visible.

The National Institute of Development Administration surveyed 1,410 Thais aged 18 or over from September 8-10. Respondents came from six provinces, including Bangkok, Phuket and Surat Thani.

Those locations include major centres of foreign tourism and longer-term overseas communities. Phuket and Surat Thani have featured prominently in recent controversies involving Israelis.

NIDA found 76.38% had encountered reports about inappropriate conduct by some Israelis. Another 5.11% said they had personally experienced such behaviour. In addition, 4.33% had heard reports directly from eyewitnesses.

Läs hela artikeln här : Opinion poll shows public concern about Israeli misbehaviour in Thailand amid a febrile political mood - Thai Examiner

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[Frogfish]

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Tensions Mount Over Israeli’s Living and Working in Thailand​

Last updated: September 14, 2026 6:36 am
6 hours ago

BANGKOK – Tensions are rising in Thailand as public concern mounts over the conduct of Israeli tourists and expats, alongside investigations into potential illegal land ownership and business practices. The unease centers around key tourist destinations, notably Koh Phangan and Phuket, as well as Chachoengsao province, bringing into question how strictly Thai authorities enforce property and corporate laws.

A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed a hardening of Thai public sentiment. Among respondents familiar with the situation, 77.49% demanded strict enforcement of the law, with the majority citing disrespect for Thai laws, impolite behavior, and disregard for local culture as their primary concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Widespread Business Probes: Authorities are actively investigating networks of companies—suspected to be over 40 firms—linked to Israeli nationals for potentially using Thai nominees to illegally bypass foreign ownership laws.
• Cemetery and Land Scrutiny: The investigation gained momentum after irregularities were found at a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao, leading to a broader probe of over 14,000 foreign-linked firms controlling billions of baht in property.
• Public Backlash: Public anger culminated in protests led by activist Sondhi Limthongkul outside the Israeli embassy in Bangkok, demanding stricter oversight of Israeli citizens in Thailand.

A focal point of the rising tensions is the suspected use of “nominee” arrangements. Under the Thai Foreign Business Act, foreign nationals are generally restricted from holding more than a 49% stake in companies or directly owning land.

However, an intricate system of legal advisors and proxy Thai shareholders has long been utilized to circumvent these rules. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explicitly addressed this during a raid on an illegally constructed pool villa on Koh Phangan, noting that while companies may appear Thai on paper, they are often 100% foreign-controlled.

Recent joint operations by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Department of Business Development (DBD) on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan uncovered extensive illicit land acquisitions. These operations targeted shell companies, wellness fronts, and luxury hotels allegedly operating with illegal foreign control and bypassing statutory regulations.

The Gan Chabad Investigation​

The scrutiny has extended beyond traditional tourist businesses. The Interior Ministry is currently conducting a wide-ranging inquiry into Gan Chabad Co., Ltd., a company associated with Chabad houses in Thailand. The investigation began with a Jewish cemetery in Chachoengsao, where authorities allege burials continued even after the site’s operating license expired.

The probe has since ballooned, with officials examining whether Gan Chabad and its directors are part of a wider network of companies utilizing nominee structures. The interior ministry is looking at dozens of linked businesses, including kosher restaurants and tourism firms, to determine if they comply with Thai law. Authorities are also investigating the process by which some individuals connected to these organizations obtained Thai citizenship.

Protests and Diplomatic Responses​

The controversy moved from local disputes to national headlines when hundreds of protesters, led by veteran activist Sondhi Limthongkul, rallied outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok. The demonstrators, rallying under the “Take Thailand Back” campaign, demanded the Israeli government regulate the behavior of its citizens and cooperate fully with Thai law enforcement regarding the ongoing nominee and land ownership investigations.

The protests and the resulting NIDA poll clearly show a shift in the public mood. With nearly half of the polled respondents suggesting shorter permitted stays for Israeli visitors, the situation places pressure on the Thai government to balance its vital tourism industry with the enforcement of domestic laws and the preservation of national sovereignty.

Tensions Mount Over Israeli's Living and Working in Thailand

BANGKOK - Tensions are rising in Thailand as public concern mounts over the conduct of Israeli tourists and expats, alongside investigations into potential

www.chiangraitimes.com

Mvh isan lover

Man blir aldrig förvånad över dina inlägg.

Lite spridning av judehat verkar aldrig vara fel i din värld.......

 

[Isan Lover]

Man blir aldrig förvånad över dina inlägg.

Lite spridning av judehat verkar aldrig vara fel i din värld.......

Hej

Läs ämnet för tråden så kanske du förstår varför dessa artiklar hamnade just här.

Det handlar om omfattande markägande och företagsverksamhet via s.k nominees (målvakter) vilket nu Thailand har en landsomfattande kampanj mot som omfattar 23 olika myndigheter, dessutom uppges det i media att dom ledande israelerna i den här gruppen även har tillskansat sig thailändskt medborgarskap på olagligt vis utan att ha uppfyllt ställda krav för att få detta.

Så vi lär nog höra mer om det här vare sig vi vill eller ej, men det är lite överraskande att just den här gruppen pekas ut för så mycket oegentligheter att t.o.m respektive ambassader och regeringar diskuterar problemet.

Mvh isan lover

 

[Frogfish]

Hej

Läs ämnet för tråden så kanske du förstår varför dessa artiklar hamnade just här.

Det handlar om omfattande markägande och företagsverksamhet via s.k nominees (målvakter) vilket nu Thailand har en landsomfattande kampanj mot som omfattar 23 olika myndigheter, dessutom uppges det i media att dom ledande israelerna i den här gruppen även har tillskansat sig thailändskt medborgarskap på olagligt vis utan att ha uppfyllt ställda krav för att få detta.

Så vi lär nog höra mer om det här vare sig vi vill eller ej, men det är lite överraskande att just den här gruppen pekas ut för så mycket oegentligheter att t.o.m respektive ambassader och regeringar diskuterar problemet.

Mvh isan lover

Läs plakatet så förstår du min invändning mot att sprida detta.

Men iom att just du många gånger uttryckt just det som uttryckts på plaketet, så förstår jag att du inte förstår.

Både du och thailändare kan ha åsikter om vissa israelers uppträdande. Och hade du (och thailändarna) hållit sig till att kritisera (vissa) israeler, hade det ju haft relevans. Men att utifrån det beskylla judar (det judiska folket) för allt möjligt är rena definitionen av antisemitism (dvs judehat).
Du brukar ju protestera vilt (med viss rätta) när "muslimer" får skulden kollektivt, vad är skillnaden på att ge "det judiska folket" skulden? Ditt smeknamn passar (Hycklarn).

Men då kan man lägga till judehatare till ditt CV, bredvid förespråkare för hedersvåld och islamist. Bra att veta.

PS: Oavsett ditt judehat, så tänk på vilka åsikter du sprider vidare. Det är ditt ansvar.

 

[Isan Lover]

Läs plakatet så förstår du min invändning mot att sprida detta.

Men iom att just du många gånger uttryckt just det som uttryckts på plaketet, så förstår jag att du inte förstår.

Både du och thailändare kan ha åsikter om vissa israelers uppträdande. Och hade du (och thailändarna) hållit sig till att kritisera (vissa) israeler, hade det ju haft relevans. Men att utifrån det beskylla judar (det judiska folket) för allt möjligt är rena definitionen av antisemitism (dvs judehat).
Du brukar ju protestera vilt (med viss rätta) när "muslimer" får skulden kollektivt, vad är skillnaden på att ge "det judiska folket" skulden? Ditt smeknamn passar (Hycklarn).

Men då kan man lägga till judehatare till ditt CV, bredvid förespråkare för hedersvåld och islamist. Bra att veta.

PS: Oavsett ditt judehat, så tänk på vilka åsikter du sprider vidare. Det är ditt ansvar.

Hej

Det här handlar inte om vad vare sig jag eller du tycker om Israeler utan om nyhetsrapportering gällande en kampanj som den Thailändska regeringen bedriver mot s.k verksamheter startade av utlänningar via s.k nominees (målvakter).

I både nyhetsförmedling och i inlägg på forumet oegentligheter, uppförande och brott begångna av både svenskar och andra nationaliteter i Thailand uppmärksammats, men du vill uppenbarligen att ett specifikt lands befolknings lagbrott och uppförande i Thailand ska censureras vilket för mig är obegripligt.

I Thailand gäller Thailändska lagar och regler, det kan man ju tycka vad man vill om men så är det, så bryter man mot dessa eller försöker kringgår dessa via korruption alternativt juridiska upplägg med målvakter så tar man en risk och riskerar att straffas för detta om man avslöjas och det oavsett nationalitet.

Mvh isan lover

 

[Frogfish]

Hej

Det här handlar inte om vad vare sig jag eller du tycker om Israeler utan om nyhetsrapportering gällande en kampanj som den Thailändska regeringen bedriver mot s.k verksamheter startade av utlänningar via s.k nominees (målvakter).

I både nyhetsförmedling och i inlägg på forumet oegentligheter, uppförande och brott begångna av både svenskar och andra nationaliteter i Thailand uppmärksammats, men du vill uppenbarligen att ett specifikt lands befolknings lagbrott och uppförande i Thailand ska censureras vilket för mig är obegripligt.

I Thailand gäller Thailändska lagar och regler, det kan man ju tycka vad man vill om men så är det, så bryter man mot dessa eller försöker kringgår dessa via korruption alternativt juridiska upplägg med målvakter så tar man en risk och riskerar att straffas för detta om man avslöjas och det oavsett nationalitet.

Mvh isan lover

Snömos, snömos, snömos. Sluta blanda bort korten.

Och bra att du nu säger "israeler". Men sluta sprida antisemitism och "nid"bilder som ger det judiska folket skulden. Även om det inte är din bild, så ansvarar du för vad du sprider, särskilt när du inte har några invändningar mot antisemitismen du sprider.

Så det handlar i högsta grad om vad du sprider vidare. Ska du (med stolthet) sprida dessa bilder, bör du förklara varför det judiska folket är skyldiga. Det är fortfarande antisemitism (judehat), men då är du iaf ärlig.

Att (vissa) israeler beter sig som arslen är mkt möjligt, tom mkt troligt. Men att som du sprida judehat är inte ok, även om du är känd för det.

Så sluta sprida judehat. Information är ok, judehat är inte ok.

Och ska du svara så håll dig till frågan. Vad vissa israeler gjort för skumma affärer i Thailand bryr jag mig inte så mkt om. Har de misskött sig ska de tas om hand om enligt lagen.
Min undran är varför du sprider konspirationsteorier att det judiska folket är skyldiga. Sluta med det.

 

[Isan Lover]

Hej

Phuket investigates Chabad Patong over land and permits
September 15, 2026, 2:35 PM

Phuket officials have been given seven days to complete an in-depth review of Chabad Patong, including its land, building and commercial permits, as well as possible shareholder links to a company behind a Jewish cemetery project.

Deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said today, September 15, that the review followed government policy and instructions from Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi concerning the construction of a cemetery for foreign nationals.

Initial checks found that the company behind the cemetery has three shareholders or founders who are Israeli nationals holding Thai citizenship. They also own the land used for the project.

Officials are examining whether those individuals have any connection to Chabad in Phuket.

Ploythalay said Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom had ordered relevant agencies to conduct a broader review of Chabad Patong.

The checks will cover the land involved, how it was acquired, permission to use the land, building permits and commercial permissions connected to businesses operating within Chabad Patong.

Officials will also examine the shareholder structure to determine whether any of the same individuals appear among shareholders in the company linked to the Jewish cemetery.

Phuket investigates Chabad Patong over land and permits

Phuket officials are investigating Chabad Patong over land and permit issues, including possible links to a Jewish cemetery company.

thethaiger.com

Mvh isan lover

 

[Isan Lover]

Hej

Thailand considers 99-year leasehold to strengthen investor security​

September 16, 2026

PATTAYA, Thailand – While policy discussions regarding 100% foreign land ownership remain strictly regulated under existing Thai statutes, momentum surrounding long-term leasehold reform has gained significant traction. Government agencies and private-sector leaders continue to advance legislative proposals aimed at extending the statutory leasehold limit from 30 to 99 years, primarily through amendments to the Sap-Ing-Sith Act.

For expatriates and international investors across Thailand, this ongoing legislative drive represents a major step towards greater long-term legal security. The emphasis on a modernised leasehold framework reinforces a clear message from Thai regulators: the primary mechanism for foreign participation in real estate is a fully compliant statutory lease rather than precarious corporate shortcuts.

Under the current Civil and Commercial Code, traditional real estate leases are capped at a maximum duration of 30 years. While this framework has served long-term residents for decades, high-value developments and international investors often seek greater security. The proposed 99-year leasehold structure addresses this demand by providing long-term stability comparable to international leasehold standards without altering national land ownership laws.



The key benefits of this evolving legal framework for foreign residents include:

1. Elimination of nominee structure risks
For years, some foreign buyers have attempted to secure residential real estate through 51/49 Thai-majority company structures. With joint government task forces actively auditing corporate registries for illegal nominee arrangements, these opaque setups carry significant administrative risks, including asset forfeiture and corporate dissolution. A statutory 99-year leasehold would provide a transparent alternative, allowing foreign nationals to hold enforceable long-term rights in their own name.

2. Enhanced real rights under Sap-Ing-Sith (สิทธิในทรัพย์อิงสิทธิ)
Unlike ordinary contractual leases, which create personal rights between a landlord and tenant, the Sap-Ing-Sith framework grants “real rights” in the property itself. This distinction is significant for expatriates. A 99-year Sap-Ing-Sith right could provide greater flexibility through transfer, mortgage, inheritance or sublease, subject to the applicable legal conditions, without requiring the same level of ongoing consent from the underlying landowner.

3. Bankability and asset value protection
A 99-year leasehold could enhance asset marketability and financing potential. Financial institutions and international buyers may view extended leasehold terms as more stable and commercially attractive assets. Foreign property holders could gain greater confidence that their capital investment has long-term, transferable rights and protection within the applicable legal framework.

The push towards a 99-year leasehold framework demonstrates an effort to provide more transparent and legally structured avenues for foreign participation in Thailand’s property market. By relying on official Land Department registrations rather than speculative legal workarounds, international residents can structure their real estate investments while remaining compliant with Thai law.

Thailand considers 99-year leasehold to strengthen investor security - Pattaya Mail

PATTAYA, Thailand – While policy discussions regarding 100% foreign land ownership remain strictly regulated under existing Thai statutes, momentum surrounding long-term leasehold reform has gained significant traction. Government agencies and private-sector leaders continue to advance...

www.pattayamail.com

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