Thai Police Uncover Extensive Foreign Property Ownership Scheme in Bangkok, Arresting 11 Individuals
Thai police have launched a significant crackdown on illegal foreign property ownership in Bangkok, targeting 94 luxury homes valued at over 6 billion baht. The operation, led by National Police Commissioner Samran Nuanma, involved raids on 17 locations across four high-end housing developments. Eleven foreign nationals, including ten Chinese and one American, were arrested. Investigators identified 95 companies suspected of using Thai nominee shareholders to acquire land, which foreigners cannot legally own directly. The probe also uncovered links to international criminal networks, including Chinese fugitives wanted for murder, fraud, and online gambling. Some Thai shareholders claim their identities were stolen and used without their knowledge to register these companies. This operation marks the eighth phase of a nationwide campaign against illegal foreign land ownership, significantly expanding into Bangkok's luxury residential market.
