What are the legitimate ways for a foreigner to hold property in Phuket?
Three routes are well-established and unaffected by the nominee crackdown: (1) a condominium unit held freehold within a building's 49% foreign quota; (2) a registered long lease (commonly 30 years) on a villa or land; (3) owning the building itself (not the land), with the land leased separately. Using a Thai company whose shareholders are nominees to hold land for a foreigner is the structure now being prosecuted. For any important decision, use a licensed Thai lawyer.
- Condominium freehold within the 49% foreign quota — the clearest route, unchanged.
- Registered leasehold (typically 30 years) on land or a villa — legal; note renewals are not automatically guaranteed.
- The structure under enforcement: a Thai company with nominee shareholders set up to let a foreigner control land.
- Verify any developer or holding company against official DBD records, and take legal advice before you sign.
General reference only, stating public regulations and enforcement actions; not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a licensed Thai lawyer.