British businessman, 77, arrested in crackdown on nominee companies in southern Thailand
A British businessman was arrested in a crackdown on nominee companies in southern Thailand.
Andrew Parkhouse, 77, allegedly used Thai proxies to bypass foreign business ownership laws in the notoriously overregulated country.
Police raided his luxury villa overlooking Khao Pilai Beach on Phang Nga island, as Thai authorities battle to stamp out shell companies in tourist areas.
Footage shows officers storming the sprawling property and detaining the Brit, who surrendered without resisting.
He was charged with 'working without permission while staying in the country on a temporary basis and with employing a foreign national who did not possess a valid work permit'.
He was handed over to investigators at Khok Kloi Police Station for further legal proceedings and investigation.
The operation followed complaints that companies in the Takua Thung district, where the raid was carried out, were allowing foreign nationals to illegally conduct business.
Authorities also suspected that some properties may have been operating as unlicensed hotels.
Provincial governor Phairat Phetchayuan led the joint operation of police and commerce officials to search villas and businesses under warrants issued by the Phang Nga Provincial Court.
He said: 'This is part of the province's strict measures to crack down on nominee businesses, illegal business operations by foreign nationals, and other activities that violate the law.
'The measures are intended to ensure fairness for law-abiding business operators while maintaining confidence in the province's tourism industry and investment environment.'
Officials said 174 businesses in Phang Nga were being probed for potential nominee activity, including 15 high-risk cases requiring 'immediate investigation'.
