Thailand's crackdown on a loophole that effectively bypasses its restrictions on land ownership by foreigners is causing prospective buyers to delay purchase decisions on luxury villas in resort destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui, according to agents.

As of early this year, Thai authorities had prosecuted more than 850 companies for financial damages involving lost revenue of US$458 million.

Thailand's crackdown on a loophole that effectively bypasses its restrictions on land ownership by foreigners is causing prospective buyers to delay purchase decisions on luxury…