Krabi Pool Villa Raid: Spanish Nationals Implicated in Nominee Shareholding Probe

Officials in Krabi, Thailand, conducted a raid on a luxury pool villa in Nong Thale subdistrict, Mueang Krabi district, on June 2. This operation is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected nominee shareholding practices involving foreign business operators. Krabi Governor Angkoon Silatewakul spearheaded the action, executing a warrant issued by the Krabi Provincial Court to search the villa, which spans over 1 rai of land. Authorities reported that the villa business was officially registered as a joint venture between one Thai national and two Spanish nationals. However, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the Spanish operators effectively controlled the business, raising concerns that the Thai shareholder might have been used as a nominee to circumvent legal restrictions on foreign ownership and business activities. The Krabi land officials have since filed a formal complaint with Ao Nang police to initiate legal proceedings. Furthermore, the raid revealed that the villa was allegedly rented out daily to foreign tourists without the requisite hotel business license, as mandated by the Hotel Act 2004. Officials are also scrutinizing whether the operator adhered to Section 38 of the Immigration Act 1979, which requires reporting foreign guests to immigration authorities. Governor Angkoon stated that this case is integral to a province-wide review initiated after the Department of Business Development provided Krabi with a list of 401 businesses suspected of nominee activity. According to DailyNews, eight of these businesses have been searched so far. One has already faced legal penalties, and six legal entities were found to involve foreign nationals holding six plots of land. Angkoon emphasized the importance of the Department of Business Development notifying relevant agencies whenever company shareholdings change, whether through official channels or online systems, particularly when foreigners acquire shares. He believes this proactive measure would significantly help prevent recurring offenses related to suspected nominee structures.