Tourism
Phuket Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Nominee Business Networks
Deputy Interior Minister Worasit has announced the dismantling of nominee networks in Phuket, resulting in 16 arrests involving both Thai and foreign nationals.
According to a report by Thai Post on August 7, 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Worasit has led an operation to dismantle illegal nominee business networks operating in Phuket. The crackdown resulted in the identification of 16 individuals involved in these illicit activities, comprising 10 Thai nationals and 6 foreign nationals.
Authorities discovered that these networks were operating six distinct businesses that directly competed with local Thai entrepreneurs. The sectors involved in these unauthorized operations include international schools, vehicle rental services, and restaurants. The Deputy Minister emphasized a firm stance against these practices, signaling a broader effort to remove individuals who violate business regulations from the country.
For residents and travelers, this development highlights a tightening of regulatory oversight regarding business ownership and operations in popular tourist destinations like Phuket. While the immediate impact is the closure of these specific entities, it remains to be confirmed how this enforcement will affect the broader business landscape or if further investigations will target other regions. Travelers should be aware that local authorities are actively monitoring business compliance, which may lead to shifts in the availability of certain services. Further details regarding the legal proceedings against the 16 individuals and the long-term strategy for preventing future nominee operations are yet to be disclosed by the Ministry of Interior.