House Police Committee to Probe Phuket MP Over Alleged Nominee Links

On August 19, 2026, Watcharapong Kuwijitsuwan, Chairman of the House Committee on Police, announced plans to summon officials from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) regarding reports involving Somchat Techathavorncharoen, a People's Party MP for Phuket. The inquiry follows allegations that the MP may be linked to over 30 shell companies acting as nominees for foreign nationals to hold real estate and condominium assets valued at approximately 100 million baht.

The committee intends to verify whether the MP served as a director or shareholder in these entities, which reportedly lack genuine business operations. The investigation aims to determine if these activities constitute a violation of laws against foreign nominee arrangements, which the current administration under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has identified as a threat to national security, sovereignty, and the economy.

For residents and visitors, this case highlights ongoing government efforts to crack down on illegal land ownership structures that bypass foreign property restrictions. While the committee seeks to establish the facts, it remains to be confirmed whether the DSI will formally accept this matter as a special case or if the MP will face legal charges. The committee has urged the People's Party to conduct an internal investigation into the matter to ensure transparency.