Chonburi Development Project Scrutinized Over China Link Claims, No Nominee Found

SRIRACHA, Thailand – A multi-agency government team has inspected a commercial development project in Bo Win, Sriracha district, following public concerns and media attention suggesting possible links to Chinese capital. Authorities have now confirmed preliminary findings showing no nominee arrangement and full Thai ownership. On July 2, officials from several agencies including district administration, local police, immigration, the Labour Office, and related provincial departments jointly conducted an on-site inspection at a 31-rai commercial development site along the Huai Prap–Pong Saket road in Moo 3, Bo Win subdistrict, Chonburi. The inspection was carried out after concerns were raised in public reports suggesting that the project may be connected to foreign, particularly Chinese, investment structures. Authorities reviewed business registration details, land lease arrangements, employment practices, foreign residency compliance, and overall project legality. According to officials, the project operates under a 30-year lease agreement, with Ms. Siriphan Kerdsommut identified as the sole leaseholder and 100% shareholder based on verified documents. Authorities stated that no evidence was found indicating foreign shareholding or nominee ownership as initially suspected. Officials also noted that confusion may have stemmed from large Chinese-language signage displayed within the project area, which led to public misunderstanding about ownership. Following the concerns, the signage was removed by the project owner to prevent further misinterpretation and to support transparency. During the inspection, authorities found two Chinese nationals working inside the office area. The project owner clarified that they are employees of a contracted construction company, which itself includes two Chinese partners, and that they are not involved in ownership of the development. Thai workers were also found to be employed on site. Officials added that employment of foreign workers remains under labor law supervision, and any illegal employment or unauthorized work activities will be subject to immediate legal action if detected. Ms. Jintana Jeerachiwin, Senior District Officer of Sriracha, said the inspection followed a coordinated briefing among all agencies and covered two key areas of concern. Based on initial findings, no legal violations were identified. She added that the leaseholder has full legal rights over the land use and has permitted subleasing to business operators as part of the project development plan. She further explained that the project is currently in its first phase of development, and that the removal of Chinese signage was a proactive step taken by the owner after public concerns emerged. Authorities confirmed that monitoring will continue to ensure compliance with all regulations. If any complaints or violations arise in the future, agencies will take immediate action to maintain transparency and public confidence. Ms. Siriphan, the project owner, rejected allegations of being a nominee for foreign investors, stating that she is a Thai national holding 100% of the project shares. She said the development sits on leased land covering 31 rai with a 30-year contract and is intended to become a commercial hub for businesses and retail operators. She added that once completed, the project will open opportunities for both Thai and foreign tenants and is expected to generate local employment. She also confirmed that all documents have been submitted to authorities for verification and that she is ready to comply with any additional requirements. Officials concluded that while public concerns had prompted the inspection, current evidence does not support claims of nominee ownership. However, agencies will continue oversight as the project develops to ensure full legal compliance and transparency throughout all phases.