Thai property crackdown: Foreign buyers hit pause on villas as nominee loophole closes (opens original article in a new tab)

Thailand's crackdown on foreign property ownership loopholes has led to delays in luxury villa purchases by foreign buyers in resort areas like Phuket and Koh Samui, with some shifting to condominiums due to simpler ownership structures.

• Thailand's crackdown on foreign property ownership loopholes has caused delays in luxury villa purchases by foreign buyers in Phuket and Koh Samui
• The government identified 11,426 companies with foreign stakes on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, with 68% of registered firms on the islands held by foreigners
• Foreign buyers are shifting towards condominiums due to simpler ownership structures, while developers continue luxury villa projects with legal leasehold arrangements
• Chinese buyers remain the largest group of foreign investors in Thai residential property, though their purchases of condominiums declined in 2025