KRABI — The governor of Krabi province and the provincial police chief led a joint operation to search and arrest operators of an Israeli-owned cannabis farm accused of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to evade Thai law.
The raid took place on 21 January 2026 at 09:30 at Cannazon Co. Ltd. in Moo 4, Sai Thai subdistrict, Mueang Krabi district.
Acting on search warrants issued by the Krabi Provincial Court, officers searched the premises and detained the company’s owner, identified as Mose Yamin, an Israeli national. Authorities allege the business allowed Thai nationals to hold shares on behalf of a foreigner, enabling a foreign national to operate a restricted business in violation of Thai law, including Section 8(3) of the Foreign Business Act.
Officials said they uncovered multiple additional offences, including online sales and delivery of cannabis, organising farm tours for tourists, permitting cannabis consumption on the premises in breach of legal conditions, and extracting cannabis substances with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels exceeding 0.2%, which classifies the product as a narcotic under Thai law.
Inside the building, officers found an indoor cannabis cultivation facility equipped with controlled water, lighting and temperature systems, along with cannabis processing equipment. The site was also allegedly used to sell cannabis products and allow on-site consumption.
Officials said they uncovered multiple additional offences, including online sales and delivery of cannabis, organising farm tours for tourists, permitting cannabis consumption on the premises in breach of legal conditions, and extracting cannabis substances with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels exceeding 0.2%, which classifies the product as a narcotic under Thai law.
Krabi’s provincial public health office ordered the suspension of the business licence for 60 days pending further investigation.
Governor Angkul said authorities had received intelligence that foreign nationals were using Thai nominees in cannabis businesses. He said the inspection confirmed the owner was Israeli and that several illegal cannabis-related activities were taking place.
Maj Gen Sukkasem said police had monitored the operation for more than two months and found evidence that an Israeli investor hired Thai nationals to register a company under their names, initially holding 100% of the shares. After operating for a period, the company allegedly increased capital and transferred shares to give foreign interests control in a 49–51 structure.
He said documentary evidence showed the shareholding arrangement was a sham, comparable to the use of “mule” bank accounts. Charges have been filed, and police are seeking to arrest four Thai nationals alleged to have acted as nominees.
Mom Luang Phuthong said the evidence pointed to so-called “grey capital” operations. He said authorities found a pattern in which companies were initially registered with Thai shareholders before being transferred to foreign control after three to four months. Investigations will be expanded to other companies suspected of using similar nominee structures.
Source: Khaosod English