Thai Ministry of Commerce Intensifies Crackdown on Nominee Business Schemes
The Department of Business Development has launched the 'Yuttharat' operation to investigate foreign nationals using Thai citizenship to bypass business ownership laws.
The Thai Department of Business Development (DBD), under the Ministry of Commerce, has announced an intensified crackdown on illegal nominee business structures through its 'Yuttharat' operation. According to Khaosod Online, the initiative follows a series of coordinated inspections conducted in October 2026 across three locations in Bangkok, involving ten government agencies. The primary objective is to identify individuals or entities using illicit methods to operate businesses or hold real estate in violation of the Foreign Business Act of 1999.
Authorities are currently investigating five foreign individuals who have obtained Thai citizenship and are linked to shareholdings in 84 different companies. Preliminary findings suggest that 36 of these companies may be operating as nominee businesses, effectively circumventing legal restrictions on foreign ownership. Deputy Director-General Jittakorn Wongkhetkorn and the anti-nominee task force are leading the follow-up investigations to determine the extent of these violations.
For residents and business owners, this development highlights the government's commitment to enforcing strict compliance with corporate ownership regulations. While the investigation is ongoing, it serves as a reminder of the legal risks associated with opaque business structures. It remains to be confirmed how many of the 84 identified companies will face formal legal action and what specific penalties may be imposed on those found in violation of the Foreign Business Act.
