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Krabi arrests 18 in Ao Nang nominee crackdown
9 hours ago
Immigration police and regional officers have arrested 18 people in a crackdown on alleged foreign nominee businesses in Ao Nang, Krabi, with Indian, Myanmar and Thai nationals detained.
The operation, carried out at five locations in the resort area, followed a police investigation into companies allegedly set up as fronts using Thai shareholders on behalf of foreigners. Authorities said arrest warrants had been issued for suspects.
Five sites searched in Ao Nang
Colonel Charoenphong Khantilo, spokesman for Immigration Division 6, announced the results on 30 October 2026.
Krabi Immigration Police worked with Provincial Police Region 8 and Krabi provincial police investigators to execute Krabi Provincial Court search warrants at five targets in Ao Nang, in Mueang Krabi district.
The investigation team was led by Colonel Dusit Jitkhunthod, superintendent of Krabi Immigration, Lieutenant Colonel Wiracha Sanansilp, deputy superintendent, and Lieutenant Colonel Wirat Inyot, an inspector.
Indian, Myanmar and Thai suspects named
Police said the court approved warrants covering 26 alleged participants.
Seven foreigners were named in the warrants: five Indian nationals and two Myanmar nationals. They are accused of allowing Thai nationals to hold shares on their behalf.
Nineteen Thai nationals were also wanted, accused of helping foreigners by acting as nominee shareholders.
Officers have now detained 18 suspects. The remaining eight are believed to be evading arrest, with investigators continuing efforts to locate them, police said.
The broader enforcement drive was carried out under policies set by national police chief General Samran Nuanma, Immigration Bureau commissioner Lieutenant General Noppasin Poolsawat, and deputy commissioners Major General Thanit Thaivatcharamas and Major General Nattakorn Prapayon.
Police described the Ao Nang businesses under investigation as front companies. Legitimate foreign investors and business owners may wish to ensure their company records, shareholding arrangements and immigration status are in order, particularly where Thai partners or shareholders are involved.
Colonel Charoenphong said cooperation between agencies, supported by Immigration Bureau information technology systems and linked databases, had made it more effective to identify foreigners allegedly involved in illegal activity.
He said members of the public can report suspected wrongdoing involving foreign nationals to the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178, available 24 hours a day.
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