Thailand: Authorities Raid Companies Linked to Israelis on Koh Samui

Thai police raided foreign companies on Koh Samui island suspected of using Thai citizens as nominees. Dozens of companies holding assets worth 1.2-1.5 billion baht were identified, including a network of 19 companies linked to Israelis. About 60 cases were opened against 88 suspects, including 62 foreign nationals. In May, 89 Israeli children were found in an illegal daycare on Koh Phangan.

Thai police raided foreign companies on Koh Samui island, suspected of using Thai citizens as nominees to hold land and businesses. As part of a review of about 12,900 registered companies, authorities identified dozens of companies holding assets estimated at 1.2-1.5 billion baht. One identified network includes 19 companies linked to Israelis, suspected of operating unlicensed daycare centers and conducting real estate deals in luxury villas. During the investigation, about 60 cases were opened against 88 suspects, including 62 foreign nationals, and arrest warrants were issued against them. The article mentions that in May, during a raid on an illegal children's daycare on Koh Phangan, 89 Israeli children were found. The daycare had a permit for up to 18 children aged two to five, but in practice children aged two to twelve were found there. The place was operated by an Iranian couple and a Thai citizen, and foreign workers were employed there in violation of the law.