On May 13, 2025, Police Chief Kittarat Panthapetch assigned Deputy Police Chief Samran Nualma, as director of the Center for Suppressing Transnational Criminals and Illegal Entry, to lead an operation to dismantle the foreign nominee network on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province. The task force conducted searches of 243 target companies and identified 27 suspicious nominee enterprises involved in illegal land ownership. Authorities seized 37 land plots totaling 51 rai and 2 ngan, valued at approximately 150 million baht. Two of three suspects were arrested—both Thai nationals charged with assisting and supporting foreign nationals through nominee shareholding; the third suspect, a foreigner, remains at large.

The operation's investigation revealed 3,754 registered businesses on Koh Phangan, with 2,381 having foreign ownership. Key red flags included Thai nationals serving as shareholders and directors in multiple companies, apparent nominee holding patterns, and irregular social security records suggesting no actual employment. Deputy Police Chief Samran ordered intensified investigation into specific cases, including Plubvilla's construction violations and alleged foreign ownership with Thai nominee shareholders. The case will be coordinated with Regional Police Region 8, Surat Thani Provincial Police, and Koh Phangan Police Station, with findings compiled for further prosecution consideration and review of any involved government officials.

SURAT THANI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday vowed to crack down on illegal foreign nominee businesses and public beach encroachment on Ko Phangan, declaring that beaches belong to everyone and cannot be monopolised by hotels or private villas.

Speaking during a visit to Koh Phangan, Anutin said the government was serious about tackling growing problems affecting local residents and tourism operators, particularly the illegal use of Thai nominees by foreigners to operate businesses.

"We welcome foreign tourists who come here to spend money and travel legally, but we cannot accept those who come to take jobs or run businesses illegally. This is our home," he said.

The prime minister also warned against private occupation of public beach areas, saying no hotel or villa owner had the right to claim beachfront land for exclusive use.

"Beaches belong to everyone," Anutin said. "People must not allow anyone to seize public land. We must preserve the environment and keep beaches beautiful and orderly."

He said authorities would introduce zoning measures and work with local agencies, including the Forestry Department and Department of National Parks, to ensure fair use of land without damaging nature.

Anutin said this was his first official visit to Koh Phangan to directly monitor illegal activities affecting local communities. He urged residents to report unlawful activities or behaviour damaging the island without fear.

The government wants Koh Phangan to remain an attractive tourist destination where local people can fairly earn a living and benefit from tourism income, he added.

Officials say foreigners own only 6% of Koh Pha Ngan following locals’ concernsLegacyThe director of Thailand’s Land Department stated that foreign nationals own only six percent of land on Koh Pha Ngan following growing concerns among residents about increasing foreign influence on the island. Concerns intensified in recent years as the number of long-stay foreign residents, particularly Israeli nationals, has increased on Koh Pha Ngan. Some locals fear the island could gradually fall under foreign control as overseas investors purchase land and establish businesses that compete with local operators. Residents also raised concerns about foreigners allegedly operating businesses illegally through Thai nominees. Some locals further accused officials of accepting bribes and providing preferential treatment to foreign investors. The allegations prompted investigations by the Department of Business Development (DBD) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), which recently expanded crackdowns on nominee-run businesses in major tourist destinations across Thailand. Photo via Matichon According to officials, more than 3,000 foreign-linked businesses on Koh Pha Ngan were found to be operating through Thai nominees. Authorities stated they would continue legal action against businesses violating Thai regulations. Responding to public concern over Koh Pha Ngan foreign land ownership, Land Department director Pornpoj Penpart said investigations into land title documents showed foreigners legally owned only six percent of land on the island. Pornpoj explained that some properties were held through legal entities linked to 1,832 foreign-operated companies. Photo via Matichon Further screening identified 47 companies suspected of using Thai nominees to hold land illegally. Pornpoj stated that legal action was initiated against 12 of those companies this morning, May 13, while investigations into the remaining firms are continuing. He added that if violations are confirmed, authorities would proceed with strict legal penalties against those involved. Pornpoj also stressed that the Land Department has introduced tighter inspection measures in key tourism provinces to prevent illegal foreign ownership and exploitation of Thai resources. He urged the public to rely on verified information and statistical data when discussing the issue in order to avoid creating unnecessary panic within local communities. The story Officials say foreigners own only 6% of Koh Pha Ngan following locals’ concerns as seen on Thaiger News.

On May 13, 2025, immigration police officers Pol. Col. Winyoo Chaemjai, Pol. Lt. Surachat Kangwanwanit, and Pol. Lt. Col. Payinpawan Phanhanh jointly arrested Ms. Pansawan (surname withheld), 42 years old, at the passenger immigration checkpoint at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province, based on warrant no. 433/2568 issued by Phra Khanong Criminal Court on June 13, 2568, for theft using a vehicle to facilitate the crime or transport of property.

The case stems from 2568 when the suspect was in a relationship with Ms. A (pseudonym) and they lived together in a residence in the Pravet area. After they argued and broke up, the suspect moved out of the house and took various belongings with her by vehicle, which included items belonging to Ms. A. When Ms. A discovered the missing items, she filed a complaint with police at Udomsuk Station, leading to the arrest warrant.

Authorities learned that Ms. Pansawan had left Thailand in 2568 and settled in the United States. Recently, when intelligence indicated she was traveling from Hong Kong back into Thailand, immigration police were alerted to monitor and apprehend her at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

During questioning, the suspect denied intentional theft, admitting she took property from the residence but believed it was hers. She claimed she moved the items to her house before traveling to work and live in the United States, and insisted she had no prior knowledge of any summons or arrest warrant. She has been handed over to Udomsuk Station police for further legal proceedings.

The Toyota Thailand Open 2026, a World Tour Super 500 badminton tournament, took place at Nimibutr Sports Hall, National Sports Stadium on May 13, 2026. In men's singles, Thai second seed and defending champion Kulvuthi Vititsanth faced Japan's Yudai Okimoto (world rank 35). Kulvuthi dominated the match, defeating Okimoto 21-16 and 21-12 to advance to the second round, where he will face the winner of the Shi Yu-chen versus Lee Hsia-hao matchup from Taiwan. In women's singles, world rank 15 Suphanida Ketutong competed against fellow Thai player Picchayamol Ophasnipit (world rank 27). The two put on an entertaining match before Picchayamol pulled off an upset victory 21-15 and 22-20 to secure her spot in the next round. In mixed doubles, seeds Rusthanpak Ubtong and Jeanessa Suejai—seeded eighth at the tournament and ranked 15th globally—defeated Scotland's Alexander Dunn and Julia MacPherson (world rank 34) 17-21, 21-19, and 21-13.

Manchester United's football executives are preparing to propose Michael Carrick as the club's new permanent manager at this week's board meeting. According to The Athletic, CEO Omar Berrada and Football Director Jason Wilcox believe Carrick is the ideal candidate to lead Manchester United into the next season and are ready to present this recommendation to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

While Ratcliffe holds final decision-making authority on major matters and the proposal has not yet been formally approved, all indicators suggest Carrick will retain the position. The Glazer family, as majority shareholders, are content to allow Ratcliffe to take the lead on football-related decisions.

It is expected that this decision will pave the way for Manchester United to open contract negotiations with Carrick at Carrington. The 44-year-old head coach has participated in planning meetings and maintains strong backing among players and club staff for the permanent appointment.

United has considered other candidates, including Andoni Iraola from Bournemouth and Unai Emery from Aston Villa, but wanted to wait until the season's end for a final decision. However, with the club now qualified for UEFA Champions League football, this matter has been prioritized. The timing is crucial as well, as identifying the permanent manager is essential for the club to communicate clearly with potential new signings about who they will be playing under.