https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenI cook at home most days because Thais use the cheapest ingredients, meat, rice, oil etc. I also like a lot of vegetables, 500g for my thai mealsSun, 21 Jun 2026 20:48:34 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-driving-out-foreigners-it-once-courted-r2419/Thailand is pursuing two major policy directions that appear to conflict with one another: opening its economy to foreign business while intensifying enforcement against foreign-linked property ownership structures. Get today's headlines by email The contrast has become increasingly visible following reforms to the Foreign Business Act. In April 2025, the Cabinet approved the most significant overhaul of the law in 25 years. In January 2026, it confirmed plans to remove ten business categories, including software development, from restricted lists, allowing foreign companies to operate without local partners or special licences. The reforms form part of the Thailand 4.0 strategy aimed at improving competitiveness and attracting investment. Now authorities have launched an extensive crackdown on nominee company structures used by some foreigners to control land. New rules require Thai shareholders in foreign-linked companies to prove that invested funds genuinely belong to them. Authorities have also introduced data-sharing systems between agencies and analytical tools designed to identify suspicious ownership arrangements. Enforcement activity has increased significantly. In May 2026, a major operation on Koh Phangan resulted in 22 arrests and the seizure of more than 40 rai of land. Police are also using criminal procedures in investigations involving alleged nominee arrangements. The crackdown targets structures where Thai shareholders act only as legal fronts while foreigners effectively control assets. Authorities argue such arrangements violate Thai law and amount to fraud. However, concerns have emerged that some long-term foreign residents who purchased property through company structures recommended by legal advisers years ago may also be affected. The debate is rooted in previous attempts to reform foreign property ownership rules. In late 2022, Thailand’s Cabinet approved a proposal that would have allowed qualifying foreigners to legally own small residential land plots. Supporters argued that foreigners already gained access to property through leases, condominium ownership quotas and nominee companies, and that the proposal would provide a transparent legal alternative. The proposal was withdrawn less than two weeks later following political opposition. In March 2025, the Supreme Court also ruled against a long-lease renewal structure that many foreign buyers had relied upon for additional security. Supporters of reform argue that restrictive laws encourage the very workarounds now being targeted. They point to broader business reforms as evidence that Thailand has already accepted the principle of creating legal pathways while enforcing existing laws against abuse. Some observers believe the current crackdown may be part of a broader strategy to clear out unlawful structures before introducing new legal ownership frameworks. Others warn that enforcement without further reform could discourage investment and prompt foreign capital to move elsewhere. Regional competition is increasing. Malaysia permits foreign freehold ownership subject to minimum-price requirements, while Indonesia offers foreigners registered property rights lasting up to 80 years. Other neighbouring countries have also introduced clearer frameworks for foreign property investment. The Thaiger reported that the attention will now focus on whether Thailand introduces new legal routes for foreign property ownership or long-term leases. Proposals frequently discussed include reviving elements of the 2022 ownership framework, strengthening lease protections and updating condominium regulations. The outcome could determine whether Thailand’s property policies ultimately align with its broader efforts to attract foreign investment and support economic modernisation. Pictures courtesy of The Thaiger Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now TheThaiger 22 June 2026Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:47:21 +0000Thailand is pursuing two major policy directions that appear to conflict with one another: opening its economy to foreign business while intensifying enforcement against foreign-linked property ownership structures. Get today's headlines by email The contrast has become increasingly visible following reforms to the Foreign Business Act. In April 2025, the Cabinet approved the most significant overhaul of the law in 25 years. In January 2026, it confirmed plans to remove ten business categories, including software development, from restricted lists, allowing foreign companies to operate without local partners or special licences. The reforms form part of the Thailand 4.0 strategy aimed at improving competitiveness and attracting investment. Now authorities have launched an extensive crackdown on nominee company structures used by some foreigners to control land. New rules require Thai shareholders in foreign-linked companies to prove that invested funds genuinely belong to them. Authorities have also introduced data-sharing systems between agencies and analytical tools designed to identify suspicious ownership arrangements. Enforcement activity has increased significantly. In May 2026, a major operation on Koh Phangan resulted in 22 arrests and the seizure of more than 40 rai of land. Police are also using criminal procedures in investigations involving alleged nominee arrangements. The crackdown targets structures where Thai shareholders act only as legal fronts while foreigners effectively control assets. Authorities argue such arrangements violate Thai law and amount to fraud. However, concerns have emerged that some long-term foreign residents who purchased property through company structures recommended by legal advisers years ago may also be affected. The debate is rooted in previous attempts to reform foreign property ownership rules. In late 2022, Thailand’s Cabinet approved a proposal that would have allowed qualifying foreigners to legally own small residential land plots. Supporters argued that foreigners already gained access to property through leases, condominium ownership quotas and nominee companies, and that the proposal would provide a transparent legal alternative. The proposal was withdrawn less than two weeks later following political opposition. In March 2025, the Supreme Court also ruled against a long-lease renewal structure that many foreign buyers had relied upon for additional security. Supporters of reform argue that restrictive laws encourage the very workarounds now being targeted. They point to broader business reforms as evidence that Thailand has already accepted the principle of creating legal pathways while enforcing existing laws against abuse. Some observers believe the current crackdown may be part of a broader strategy to clear out unlawful structures before introducing new legal ownership frameworks. Others warn that enforcement without further reform could discourage investment and prompt foreign capital to move elsewhere. Regional competition is increasing. Malaysia permits foreign freehold ownership subject to minimum-price requirements, while Indonesia offers foreigners registered property rights lasting up to 80 years. Other neighbouring countries have also introduced clearer frameworks for foreign property investment. The Thaiger reported that the attention will now focus on whether Thailand introduces new legal routes for foreign property ownership or long-term leases. Proposals frequently discussed include reviving elements of the 2022 ownership framework, strengthening lease protections and updating condominium regulations. The outcome could determine whether Thailand’s property policies ultimately align with its broader efforts to attract foreign investment and support economic modernisation. Pictures courtesy of The Thaiger Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now TheThaiger 22 June 2026 View full articleSun, 21 Jun 2026 20:47:21 +0000i still have 3, all goodSun, 21 Jun 2026 20:43:42 +0000AI post removed. @ikke1959 rule 39a. Posts should be original, on-topic, and written in your own voice. This is a discussion forum—not an AI content dump—so keep contributions natural and personal. AI tools can be used for reference or to support facts, but your writing should reflect your own understanding and perspective. This is especially important for opening posts, which should clearly come from a human point of view and invite genuine discussion.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:37:39 +0000Iranian negotiators have suspended high-level talks with the United States in Switzerland after protesting a series of threats made by US President Donald Trump, including warnings of military action and remarks interpreted by Tehran as threats against the safety of its delegation. Get today's headlines by email The talks, held in Burgenstock, were the first direct negotiations since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz and opening a 60-day process on Iran’s civilian nuclear programme. Negotiators Walk Out of Switzerland TalksIt was not immediately clear whether the Iranian walkout marked a permanent breakdown in negotiations or a temporary protest. Before leaving the talks, however, Iranian and US officials reportedly reached a draft agreement outlining how Washington could issue waivers easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Progress on Oil Sanctions and Frozen AssetsIranian officials said the proposed waivers could be issued soon and added that discussions had also advanced on the release of Iranian assets frozen in overseas bank accounts. The talks followed last week’s agreement between the two countries designed to secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies. Tensions rose after Trump repeatedly warned Iran to rein in the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, which has continued clashes with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Iranian officials argued that the US president’s comments violated the non-aggression provisions included in last week’s memorandum. Trump and Ghalibaf Exchange WarningsIran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed Trump’s threats, saying Tehran would not be influenced by pressure from Washington. The Iranian delegation also faced domestic pressure to demonstrate scepticism toward the Trump administration, contributing to the decision to leave the talks. Iran has reimposed its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the move was a response to ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Tehran argues that Israel’s actions violate the ceasefire provisions outlined in the memorandum signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. On social media, Trump warned Iran to stop supporting Hezbollah and threatened further military action if it failed to do so. During an interview with Fox News, he also suggested the United States could take control of the strait if negotiations collapsed. Iran lodged a formal protest with mediators, describing Trump’s remarks as unacceptable and demanding action against what it called “bullying”. Vance Strikes More Conciliatory ToneWhile Trump adopted a confrontational approach, US Vice-President JD Vance presented a more conciliatory message in Switzerland. Vance said the administration wanted to “turn over a new leaf” with Iran and indicated Washington was prepared to transform relations if Tehran abandoned what the US describes as regional destabilisation and long-term nuclear weapons ambitions. The negotiations also involved representatives from Pakistan and Qatar, which are acting as mediators. Iran declined to appear publicly alongside the US delegation, led by Vance, along with Jared Kushner and US envoy Steve Witkoff. Nuclear Issues Remain UnresolvedIran says the immediate priorities are securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions on oil exports and unfreezing overseas assets. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, was also present in Switzerland. However, Tehran wants discussions on future inspections of its nuclear facilities postponed until sanctions-related disputes are resolved. Under the current framework, both sides aim to settle outstanding nuclear issues, including the scope of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, within 60 days, although the deadline can be extended by mutual agreement. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 June 2026 View full articleSun, 21 Jun 2026 20:25:50 +0000Quick question and I didn't want to start another thread: is it possible to open a bank account in Thailand with a student visa?Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:19:30 +0000The primary statistic in the OP is a surge in the number of Chinese tourist arrivals in Vietnam. It's the only metric offered. Then follows 3 pages of nostalgia about visas, Thaksin, backpackers, snowbirds, etc. A fair bit of this irrelevant comment is coming from members who lambast the Chinese tourist in Thailand and pillory the Thai government for trying to boost their numbers.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:11:00 +0000Everything you're saying here is just baseless speculation, hearsay, etc. If you don't have any facts to share, stop spreading lies and shut upSun, 21 Jun 2026 20:01:36 +0000So, you weren't a tourist here, which is the subject of this thread. Thanks for trying out.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:59:01 +0000Recently, I do wonder..... Whether or not it is getting to the point where...... I'm no fun, anymore..... If so, Please tell me, because.... I AM SORRY I AM LONELY (sometimes, it hurts) We are has beens I know your secret. You feel the same as I, too. But, after over 55 years, then.... What did you expect? A rose garden? Just do not wear garters with you shorts, please. This is the least you can do. What have you got to lose? Nothing.....because..... You have ALREADY lost it ALL.....at your age...... Why not face facts?Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:56:05 +0000Can finally see how the grifter screwed up any company that he was ever involved in. His negotiation and deal braking skills are a sight to be hold. What a winner the the filthy scamming grifting conman is.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:55:05 +0000Foreign nationals who come into the country and commit unlawful acts can expect a visit from Ice enforcement. "ICE San Francisco arrested criminal alien of Mexico, in San Jose. His criminal history includes felony convictions for lewd or lascivious acts with a minor and assault with intent to rape". https://x.com/EROSanFrancisco/status/2068731670992466128?s=20Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:49:50 +0000just one , my GF who is half Thai and half Vietnamees tells me that Vietnam suffers much from more corruption and all kind of scams than Thailand.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:43:28 +0000Expat veteran right there. If I may be so bold Brit bro, how was it you were able to retire at 45 so young? Did you make bank as a scuba-instructor as per your avatar?!Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:40:14 +0000The next thing for this guy Destination ThailandSun, 21 Jun 2026 19:29:18 +0000Can we have a Waffle Emoji for us to add when someone is Waffleing ?Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:28:56 +0000AI Waffery from the Tourist.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:27:48 +0000Benidorm's quiet this year. Off you go.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:27:33 +0000I know but Chomper mentioned the general election in a post on page 2 on this thread and he remarked on labours large majority so i posted on that.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:24:20 +0000Because it's chock full of Brits, pissing and moaning about everything Thai. That's when they're not pissing and moaning about their homeland. When are you leaving?Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:21:10 +0000You could try XE converter, that's usually reliable.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:05:31 +0000Pompous, erroneous and foolish comment. The inquisition in Spain largely resulted from the invasion and 700+ year occupation there by the Umayyads and later Muslim groups.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:52:56 +0000thank u allSun, 21 Jun 2026 18:43:28 +0000With that momentary glance, you also noticed the condition of their gluteus maximus. Now all of that grandstanding with regard to your sex life makes sense. Perhaps just a cover for your real desires.Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:34:33 +0000