Thailand Cracks Down on Nominee Companies, Targets 3,270 Suspects in Six Months

The Department of Business Development in Thailand has revealed the identification of 3,270 companies suspected of operating under nominee arrangements in the past six months. To address this issue, the department will implement new measures starting from August 1, 2026. Furthermore, amendments to the law are being considered to eradicate these illicit practices. Nominee arrangements refer to situations where foreign capital effectively controls business operations by using the names of Thai citizens, particularly in sectors where foreign participation is restricted by Thai law. The Thai government has long viewed this as a problem that can hinder fair market competition and negatively impact Thailand's economic development. This intensified crackdown aims to enhance transparency and fairness in Thailand's business environment and promote legitimate investment. Authorities plan to strengthen cooperation with related agencies to advance more effective enforcement.