Thai Interior Minister Vows Crackdown on Land Ownership Nominees
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced a strict enforcement campaign against Thai nominees holding land on behalf of foreign nationals.
On October 19, 2026, Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared a firm stance against the use of 'nominees'—Thai citizens or entities used to illegally hold land titles on behalf of foreign nationals. According to Matichon Online, the Minister has ordered authorities to enforce the law strictly, which includes the potential for forced sales of properties found to be held in violation of land ownership regulations.
Minister Anutin emphasized that no individual or group holds enough influence to bypass government authority, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to these practices. For residents and expatriates, this development highlights a tightening of regulatory oversight regarding property acquisition and ownership structures in Thailand. Those currently involved in complex land-holding arrangements may face increased scrutiny from local land offices and government investigators.
While the Minister has signaled a clear intent to pursue enforcement, specific details regarding the timeline for investigations, the criteria for identifying illicit nominee arrangements, and the exact legal mechanisms for forced sales remain to be confirmed. Residents and property owners are advised to monitor official government announcements for further clarity on how these enforcement measures will be implemented across different provinces.
