CHIANG MAI, Thailand — October 8, 2026
Tourist Police arrested a 51-year-old French national in Chiang Mai on October 8 as part of a crackdown on an allegedly unlicensed accommodation business and a suspected nominee shareholder arrangement involving Thai nationals.
The arrest took place at around 8:30 a.m. along Chiang Mai–Lamphun Road in Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai. Officers said they found a building being operated as accommodation in the manner of a hotel without the required authorization. The suspect was charged with operating a hotel or non-hotel accommodation business without permission under Thailand’s Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004).
Investigators also examined the company’s registration and found what they described as suspected evidence of a concealed legal arrangement, with Thai nationals holding 51% of the company’s shares. Police said preliminary questioning indicated that the Thai shareholder named in the company records had not actually participated in the investment or received the associated benefits. The French suspect reportedly admitted this during questioning.
Tourist Police took the suspect to Mae Ping Police Station for further legal proceedings. Investigators are expected to expand the inquiry into potential offenses involving the alleged nominee arrangement and determine whether other individuals were involved.
Tourists and foreign residents needing urgent assistance can contact the Tourist Police hotline at 1155 or use the Thailand Tourist Police application.
