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Phuket MP Summoned by DSI Over Real Estate Nominee Allegations
Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has summoned a Member of Parliament from Phuket for questioning regarding allegations of real estate nominee schemes involving foreigners. The MP was reportedly a director and shareholder of a company jointly holding property with foreign nationals. While the DSI has confirmed delivery of the second summons, the MP's appearance remains uncertain.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in Thailand has summoned Mr. Somchart Techathaworncharoen, a Member of Parliament representing Phuket, for questioning on September 7th concerning allegations of real estate nominee schemes involving foreigners. The summons was reported by Amarin TV and Naewna newspaper. According to the DSI's investigation, Somchart allegedly served as a director and shareholder in a private company that jointly held real estate and condominiums in Phuket with foreign nationals. The initial summons failed to reach the MP due to postal delivery issues. However, a second summons has been successfully delivered, and the MP is scheduled to meet with DSI investigators next Monday. Justice Minister Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat stated that while the delivery of the summons has been confirmed, it remains uncertain whether the MP will appear for the meeting as scheduled. This case falls under a broader crackdown on real estate nominee practices in Thailand, where foreign nationals are prohibited from directly owning certain types of property, leading to the use of Thai citizens as nominees. The DSI has been intensifying its efforts to investigate and prosecute such illicit activities.
Original source
Thai Newsroom