Department of Lands Moves to Tighten Oversight on Property Nominees

According to a report by Matichon Online on August 28, 2026, Polphee Suwanna-ngern has directed the Department of Lands to address loopholes regarding the use of nominees in property transactions. The initiative focuses on conducting rigorous background checks on the source of funds before allowing the transfer or sale of land.

This directive mandates that provincial offices across Thailand take serious action to ensure compliance and transparency in land ownership. For residents and expatriates, this development signals a potential shift toward more stringent documentation requirements when purchasing or transferring property. The government’s goal is to ensure that land ownership remains legitimate and is not being facilitated through unauthorized third-party arrangements.

While the directive has been issued, the specific operational procedures for these enhanced financial checks are still being finalized. It remains to be confirmed how these new verification steps will impact the timeline for standard property transactions or what specific documentation will be required from buyers to prove the legitimacy of their funds. Stakeholders are advised to monitor official announcements from the Department of Lands for further updates on how these policies will be enforced at the local level.