Authorities have launched a multi-agency crackdown in Pattaya targeting illegal “nominee” businesses, resulting in the immediate closure of four tour companies and the revocation of their licences. The firms affected were Aletia Tours Co., Ltd., Yor Indo-Thai Group Company Limited, Y J H Co., Ltd., and Di V-Ext Co., Ltd. The operation also uncovered a Thai national suspected of holding shares in more than 100 companies on behalf of foreign interests. Get today's headlines by email The investigation, led by the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, focused on tourism and real estate businesses in Chon Buri, a key economic area. Between March 18 and 20, 2026, officials worked alongside the Department of Tourism, Tourist Police, Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Immigration Office, and the Chon Buri Provincial Commerce Office to conduct on-site inspections in Pattaya. Initial checks included four accounting and law offices suspected of registering multiple companies at the same premises. Authorities identified numerous irregularities, including a case where a single Thai national held shares across more than 100 companies with a combined investment value of at least 300 million baht. This raised suspicions of nominee arrangements designed to bypass restrictions under the Foreign Business Act 1999. The individuals involved have been summoned to clarify the situation, with legal action to follow if violations are confirmed. In the tourism sector, officials found that changes to company directors in four firms resulted in non-compliance with the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act 2008, prompting the immediate revocation of their licences. Investigators also discovered three foreign-operated businesses engaged in real estate trading, which is prohibited under List One (9) of the law. Further data screening revealed that 146 foreign juristic persons in Chon Buri may be operating in restricted business categories under the Foreign Business Act 1999. Some may fall into sectors that are either fully prohibited or require prior government approval, necessitating deeper investigation. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, warned that nominee arrangements distort market competition and disadvantage Thai entrepreneurs. He stressed that enforcement efforts will continue nationwide, with strict penalties for offenders. Thai nationals acting as nominee shareholders may face prosecution under Section 36, while foreign operators in restricted sectors without permission could face up to three years’ imprisonment, fines ranging from 100,000 to 1,000,000 baht, or both. The Nation reported that authorities also cautioned that failure to comply with court orders may result in additional daily fines of 10,000 to 50,000 baht until violations cease. The ongoing investigation could expand into a broader crackdown, potentially triggering a wider sweep of nominee businesses across key sectors. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 23 Mar 2026
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