Law
Ministry of Commerce Clarifies Foreign Business Regulations
Supajee Suthumpun addresses allegations regarding foreign business access, emphasizing that recent regulatory adjustments aim to reduce redundancy and curb nominee practices.
According to a report by Matichon Online on September 11, 2026, Supajee Suthumpun has responded to public remarks made by Sonthi regarding the Ministry of Commerce’s policies on foreign business operations. The discussion centers on recent adjustments to regulations governing eight specific business categories.
Supajee clarified that the Ministry’s recent actions are not intended to open the market to unrestricted foreign control. Instead, the adjustments are designed to streamline administrative processes by reducing redundant requirements while simultaneously strengthening oversight to prevent the use of 'nominees'—a practice where foreign entities use local proxies to bypass ownership restrictions.
For residents and expatriates, this development is significant as it reflects the government's ongoing efforts to balance economic openness with the protection of local business interests. These regulatory shifts may influence how foreign-invested companies operate or structure their compliance frameworks within Thailand.
At this stage, the specific operational details of how these eight business categories will be monitored under the new rules remain to be fully clarified. Stakeholders are advised to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Commerce for further guidance on how these adjustments might impact specific sectors or existing business licenses.
