Authorities Crack Down on Nominee Businesses in Rayong
The Department of Business Development has launched inspections in Rayong’s Pluak Daeng district to identify businesses potentially using Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership laws.
On October 17, 2026, officials from the Department of Business Development (DBD), led by Deputy Minister of Interior Phonphir Suwanchawi, conducted inspections in the Pluak Daeng district of Rayong province. The operation targeted businesses suspected of violating foreign business regulations, specifically those utilizing Thai nationals as 'nominees' to conceal foreign ownership.
According to DBD Director-General Kittiwat Patchimanon, the task force focused on sectors including hotels, apartments, tourism services, and factories. Preliminary investigations identified four legal entities registered at the same address that are considered high-risk. While two of these entities are foreign-owned and possess Board of Investment (BOI) promotion and foreign business certificates, discrepancies in their reported business activities—specifically regarding wholesale operations—have prompted further scrutiny.
For residents and travelers, this crackdown reflects a broader government effort to ensure regulatory compliance within the tourism and service sectors. While these inspections aim to enforce fair competition and legal transparency, the investigation is ongoing. It remains to be confirmed whether these specific entities will face formal charges or if further administrative actions will be required to rectify their business filings. The authorities continue to screen corporate data to identify other potential violations in the region.
