Thailand issues arrest warrants for 20 Israelis in sweeping Koh Samui business crackdown

Thai authorities have launched a major crackdown on foreign business networks using nominee shareholders to conceal ownership of companies and land, issuing arrest warrants for 20 Israelis on Koh Samui. This operation is part of a broader government campaign targeting concealed foreign control in tourist areas. Prominent real estate developer Gal Bieber was among those arrested, suspected of providing false information and unlawfully managing businesses restricted to Thai citizens. Authorities allege that Bieber and his wife, Roni, used a complex corporate structure with Thai citizens as nominal shareholders to operate an unlicensed international school and deal in luxury villas. Roni Bieber stated, "All our actions were accompanied by a Thai lawyer and accountant," denying the claims and asserting full cooperation with authorities. The Israeli Embassy in Thailand met with local police to strengthen coordination and ensure the safety of Israeli tourists, acknowledging that while most Israelis obey the law, "there are also exceptional cases of improper behavior."