An investigation sparked by two men doing illegal electrical work has led to the arrest of six Myanmar nationals and uncovered a large-scale illegal construction operation on Koh Phangan, allegedly financed by an Israeli investor using a Thai nominee company.

The case began on Sunday (October 11) when authorities, responding to local complaints, questioned two Myanmar men installing electrical systems a job reserved for Thai nationals. The men admitted to being paid by an Israeli, which prompted a wider investigation that exposed a sophisticated contracting ring run by three other Myanmar nationals.

This core group:Mr. Aung Thu, Ms. Khai Wai Mon, and Mr. Te Wai are used a LINE messaging group to manage construction projects for foreign clients. Bank records revealed that nearly 9 million baht had passed through their accounts in the last year alone.

During interrogation, the suspects revealed their main client was an Israeli national identified as "Mr. Ran," who had commissioned them to build seven luxury homes with a total value of around 49 million baht. They operated under the guise of a legally registered Thai company, Kong Thong Construction, but admitted the firm was merely a front. Its sole Thai employee only ordered materials and was not involved in any client negotiations.

According to the Bangkok Post, police stated the suspects were registered as employees of a Thai construction firm. However, the management of that company denied having a contract for the seven luxury homes, each valued at 7 million baht, that the group was reportedly building.

Authorities say this arrangement points to an illegal nominee scheme, where a Thai national act as a company owner on paper while a foreigner maintains actual control.

A sixth Myanmar national was also arrested during the raid for having entered Thailand illegally. All six face charges of working in restricted occupations and running an unlicensed business, in addition to immigration violations. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities now focusing on tracing the financial network and identifying the Israeli investor and his Thai nominee.

BOB Post