Pattaya probe examines suspected foreign nominee land holdings

Police and land authorities searched 12 locations in Pattaya on October 21 during an investigation into suspected illegal foreign ownership.

Investigators identified 12 companies, 11 houses and 16 land plots covering about 50 rai. Reports put the combined value of the properties under investigation at more than 800 million baht.

Authorities said 85 Thai and foreign nationals may be connected to the suspected arrangements. The investigation is continuing, and there were no confirmed findings of unlawful ownership or announced charges against all 85 people identified.

Land officials said property proven to have been unlawfully held could be subject to compulsory sale within 180 days under relevant procedures. They said subsequent transfers would be monitored to prevent properties returning to similar nominee arrangements.