Chonburi, Thailand– Chonburi Governor Mr. Naris Niramaiwong is intensifying efforts to combat illegal nominee practices, where Thai citizens are used as fronts for foreign investors in violation of Thai law. This follows similar crackdowns in South Thailand as we have covered here. At this time, authorities have identified seventy high risk companies to be investigated for possible nominee structures, using risk portfolios like amount of capital and management authority of foreign nationals over Thai nationals.
On Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, at 1:30 PM, Governor Naris presided over the second 2026 operational meeting of the Chonburi Task Force to Suppress Business Violations at the Phra Raksa Thep Meeting Room, Chonburi Provincial Hall. The meeting focused on driving forward inspections and enforcement against companies suspected of using Thai nominees to bypass foreign business restrictions.
The operation is to ensure fairness in economic competition, protect national economic security, and close legal loopholes that allow foreigners to control businesses they are not permitted to operate directly under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
Chonburi Province has expanded its multi-agency task force to 25 participating units, including the Eastern Office of the Tourism Business Registrar, Chonburi Immigration Bureau, Special Investigation Department Region 2, Tourist Police, and Revenue Offices 2 and 3 of Chonburi. This strengthened integration is designed to make enforcement more effective.
The Chonburi Provincial Commerce Office has screened an initial list of 70 high-risk juristic persons across various sectors, including construction, retail, real estate, tourism, hotels, warehouses, logistics, transportation, and other services. Many of these businesses are concentrated in economically active areas such as Banglamung (Pattaya), Sri Racha, and Mueang Chonburi districts.
Key risk indicators identified include:
– Granting greater management authority to foreigners than to Thai shareholders
– Registered capital exceeding 5 million baht
– Irregular financial management or income patterns linked to restricted business categories
As of May 21st, 2026, the Commerce Office had sent official letters requesting clarification on shareholding structures, investment sources, and business operations to directors of all 70 companies and 199 shareholders. So far, 50 companies (71.43%) have responded, while 20 companies (28.57%) have not yet submitted explanations and are being urgently followed up.
The meeting discussed detailed inspection plans, including data cross-verification, on-site visits to business premises, and coordination with local administrative offices, tax authorities, local government organizations, and security agencies. Actual field inspections are scheduled to begin in June 2026, with full results expected by the end of July 2026. Cases will be categorized as normal, requiring further monitoring, or clearly in violation of the law.
Governor Naris stressed that the campaign is to promote transparency in business operations, prevent the misuse of legal loopholes, and safeguard national interests. He urged all agencies to work proactively, share information efficiently, and conduct operations with fairness, caution, and strict adherence to the law.
