KOH SAMUI — Nutwalai Pupongta, the trusted housemaid of French businesswoman Catherine Delacote, who tragically took her own life in Koh Samui on April 29, 2024, is facing uncertainty over her claim to an inheritance valued at 100 million baht. Police investigations have revealed that Delacote, who was found to have committed suicide at the age of 59, may have been involved in illegal business practices and owned luxury properties through nominee entities, potentially invalidating Nutwalai’s inheritance claim.
Investigation Uncovers Illegal Property Ownership
Over the course of a seven-month investigation, authorities have discovered that Delacote, through her control of two companies, GVNE Co Ltd and Maxikate Co Ltd, acquired land in Thailand in violation of the country’s foreign land ownership laws. Foreign nationals are prohibited from directly owning land in Thailand, a restriction that Delacote allegedly circumvented by using nominee companies and Thai nationals to hold the properties on her behalf.
Among those implicated in the illegal transactions are Thongsai Katisuk, 50, and Ratchaprapa Soreda, 36, both Thai nationals accused of aiding Delacote’s land acquisition by submitting false documents and holding shares for her in violation of the law.
Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of a law firm in facilitating these illegal transactions, which could further complicate the estate’s legal standing.
Estate Complicated by Legal Irregularities
Despite the complex circumstances surrounding Delacote’s assets, Nutwalai Pupongta had been granted a substantial portion of her employer’s estate, including a villa, land, a car, and cash—valued at approximately 100 million baht. Nutwalai had lived in the villa at the time of Delacote’s death and claims it, along with the surrounding land, as part of her inheritance.
However, the fraudulent nature of the land acquisitions now casts doubt on the validity of the estate’s transactions. Surat Thani Provincial Police and other related agencies are continuing to investigate the matter to determine the legality of the ownership and whether Nutwalai can rightfully inherit the assets.
Koh Samui’s Property Ownership Controversy
This case has sparked renewed debate regarding foreign land ownership in Thailand, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Koh Samui. The Tourism Association of Koh Samui has urged the Thai government to enforce stricter regulations around foreign property ownership to protect national interests and prevent exploitation of legal loopholes.
Before her death, Delacote had operated five luxury rental villas on Koh Samui, which further complicates the situation as these properties are central to the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, the legal status of Delacote’s estate and Nutwalai’s inheritance remains uncertain, with the potential for legal challenges ahead.
