Government officials are cracking down on foreigners allegedly building illegal luxury villas on a tropical Thai island.

Surat Thani governor Jessada Jitrat ordered local officials to collate problems related to foreign land ownership and business operations on Koh Samui island during a meeting on May 27.

The directive came following police investigations into French businesswoman Catherine Delacot's death in her sprawling luxury home on the island on April 29.

The French expat had bequeathed her maid a 2.2 million GBP inheritance. However, authorities found that the company she owned allegedly violated the Foreign Business Act as it had undergone several changes in leadership and shareholders within the same set of individuals.

A task force involving relevant agencies was formed to review and correct mistakes in the issuance of land rights documents, illegal building permits, and non-compliance with the 1979 Building Control Act.

Among the pitfalls highlighted is the case of foreigners controlling companies through Thai nominees or proxies to retain ownership. Locals failing to report the whereabouts of foreigners within 24 hours is also a common problem.

Governor Jessada said: 'I am not aware of the causes of the past problems, but upon assuming office as provincial governor, I recognized the need to resolve these problems to protect national interests and ensure that there are no hidden agendas. I am determined to reduce these problems.'

Lieutenant General Santi Sakuntanak, commander of the 4th Army Area and director of Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, had earlier conducted a helicopter survey on May 8.

The aerial inspection found several illegal constructions on steep slopes on Koh Samui.

Maj. Gen. Anusorn O-u-rai, deputy commander of the 4th Army Area, said further investigations found irregularities in land ownership documents in the area.