Thai Interior Ministry Sets Seven-Day Deadline for Huai Khwang Nominee Investigation

On August 11, 2026, Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi visited the Huai Khwang Police Station to provide additional testimony regarding an ongoing crackdown on illegal nominee-operated businesses, specifically hotels, in the Huai Khwang area. The investigation follows a multi-agency inspection involving the Department of Provincial Administration, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Labour, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and local police.

According to Khaosod Online, the situation escalated when an individual identified as “Mr. Po,” who claimed to oversee local business operators, attempted to contact the Deputy Minister during the inspection on August 9 to negotiate. Minister Phonphir publicly played the audio of this call to officials present, which allegedly contained details regarding monthly payments and arrangements for handling regulatory issues. Following this, the Department of Provincial Administration filed a formal complaint with the police on August 10, submitting the call recording as evidence.

Minister Phonphir has set a seven-day deadline for significant progress in the investigation, vowing that any officials found to be involved in facilitating these nominee schemes will face strict legal action. For residents and visitors, this crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to regulate business ownership in the district. It remains to be confirmed which specific officials or entities are implicated in the alleged bribery and how the investigation will impact the operations of businesses currently under scrutiny.