AMLO Announces Auction of Seized Luxury Yachts in Phuket Starting at 600 Million Baht

The Anti-Money Laundering Office
AMLO) is preparing to auction two luxury yachts seized in Phuket. AMLO announced that one of the vessels has a starting bid of 600 million baht, submitted by a company named ATLAS. The action is part of asset seizure measures tied to money laundering cases and legal complaints involving foreign individuals.

The seized yachts are high-value assets that have attracted interest from investors in the luxury lifestyle sector and marine tourism operators in Phuket, where the yacht and luxury-asset market is expanding. Auctioning seized assets also provides a revenue channel for the state and helps dispose of assets that cannot be used in the regular economy. AMLO said the auction process will comply with the law, meet transparency standards, and disclose necessary information to prospective bidders.

Bringing the Phuket yachts to market could have local economic significance, as new owners might deploy the vessels in charter and marine-tour businesses, increasing employment in the marine tourism industry—such as crew, caretakers, and maintenance staff. Local tour operators are watching the auction closely as a potential opportunity to expand their fleets to meet tourist demand in Phuket and surrounding islands.

However, selling seized property is legally and publicly sensitive because it must protect the rights of those involved and follow judicial procedures. Legal experts warn bidders to exercise caution by inspecting the physical condition of the vessels, reviewing maintenance records, and checking for financial encumbrances that may accompany the assets—such as berthing fees, unpaid taxes, or other debts—which bidders must be aware of before placing offers.

Public opinion in Phuket is mixed. Many view the auction as a way to put assets to productive economic use for both the community and the state, while others worry that excessive foreign ownership could remove important local assets from Phuket’s economy. There are also calls for regulators to ensure the auction process is not used as a channel for money laundering or to conceal the origin of assets.

AMLO said it will soon release details on the auction procedures, schedule, and required documents for bidders to ensure transparency and legal compliance. The auction outcome will be closely monitored by relevant agencies and local businesses that hope the yachts will be put to constructive use and have a positive effect on Phuket’s tourism economy.