Thai authorities seize $62 million land linked to British national in Krabi

Thai officials in Krabi province seized 126 rai (22 plots) of land valued at 2.1 billion baht (about US$62 million). The property, located on Koh Por in the tourist area of Koh Lanta, was controlled by a British national identified only as Alain. He allegedly used three Thai nominee companies—Phuket Lanta House Co, Sky Global Net Co and Gulval Properties Co—and a complex cross‑shareholding structure to bypass Thailand’s ban on foreign ownership of landed property.

Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwannachawi ordered the land to be returned to Thai ownership after an on‑site inspection. Police, led by General Major Sukasem Nakornwilai, have opened investigations into possible corruption involving government officials and illegal operations at two nearby hotels. The probe is being extended to related businesses and individuals in Krabi, Phuket and other provinces in police region 8. Current owners must sell the land within the legal deadline or face forced sale.

The seizure underscores Thailand’s ongoing crackdown on nominee arrangements that allow foreigners to sidestep strict land‑ownership laws.