Thailand Intensifies Crackdown on Foreign-Controlled Property and Businesses, Detains Two Israelis
Thai authorities are stepping up enforcement against foreigners who allegedly use Thai nominees to control land and businesses, with Israeli nationals a particular focus. The campaign is being pushed by the government amid complaints from Thai citizens that foreigners are taking livelihoods in tourism areas. In recent months, police have been acting openly and aggressively, and last month they launched another large operation that reportedly produced 45 arrest warrants. So far, 27 suspects have been arrested and officers are still searching for 18 others.
In the latest case, immigration investigators in Surat Thani, together with Koh Phangan police, arrested 30-year-old Israeli citizen Eden Alisa at Samui airport. Authorities said he was acting under an arrest warrant issued by the Samui Provincial Court on 21 May 2026. He is suspected of giving false information to land officials in order to take control of land through a company allegedly set up in the names of Thai citizens. According to the reports, an accounting firm registered the company under Thai names, after which it bought land intended for holiday villas. Police said Alisa had left Thailand before a court-ordered search was carried out, and was detained when he returned to the country.
Separately, in Pai last week, police arrested 39-year-old Israeli music producer and DJ Gal Goren at his home on suspicion of operating an illegal recording studio through nominees and submitting false information in official documents. Authorities said this kind of business also requires local ownership. On the same day, an American and a Spanish woman were arrested in Pai on suspicion of working without permits.
The arrests are part of a broader crackdown by tourism police, immigration police and local officials on illegal foreign businesses in Pai, Koh Phangan and Samui, areas where many Israelis, Russians and Chinese are active. In April, authorities also arrested an Israeli travel agency owner operating in Phuket.
