Thailand's nationwide campaign against suspected nominee companies has widened to include a further 14,000 firms, Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said on Tuesday, 1 September.

Speaking at Prince of Songkla University's Hat Yai campus during a roving Cabinet meeting, Polapee said authorities were examining companies suspected of using Thai nationals to bypass restrictions in the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).

He said 2,314 companies across the country currently hold more than 5,800 land plots with a combined value of 65 billion baht. Government agencies are now conducting further investigations into the additional 14,000 suspected nominee businesses.

Checks planned in Bangkok and upcountry

Asked about enforcement in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district, Polapee said officials already had intelligence on areas in the capital and other provinces where nominee arrangements were suspected.

"We already have information on which areas in Bangkok and other provinces we suspect may have nominee companies," he said.

Authorities are gathering information from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Ministry of Commerce. Once officials are satisfied that a company may be operating through nominees, they will investigate its details, particularly its business licences.

"If a company lacks a licence, we will conduct an inspection," Polapee said, adding that more sites in Bangkok and central and northern provinces were being prepared for investigation.

Huai Khwang entertainment venue raid

Polapee also discussed a weekend raid at 577CLUB in Soi Pracha Uthit 11, Huai Khwang. He and fellow official Worasit Liangprasit joined the Department of Provincial Administration's Special Operations Unit, known as DOPA S.W.A.T., after complaints that the venue was still operating.

The premises had previously been raided in August last year, while the owner was believed likely to be a Chinese man.

Polapee said the operation had not been aimed specifically at Huai Khwang and officers did not know in advance which of the area's three police stations had responsibility. It later emerged that Huai Khwang police station was in charge.

"Even if they move to evade us, they cannot escape us. We are determined to crack down, but we acknowledge that shady businesses continue to spring up like mushrooms," he said.

Saphan Khwai closures

The deputy minister also referred to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration orders temporarily closing some entertainment venues in the Saphan Khwai area.

He said he believed the city administration had seen action in Huai Khwang and extensive media coverage of entertainment venues there before carrying out its own inspections. The temporary closures were likely related to public-health concerns, he said, although the BMA could also check structural matters and permits.

Visitors and residents using nightlife venues may see more inspections and temporary closures as authorities scrutinise licensing, health standards and building compliance.

Picture courtesy of TNR

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Join the discussion?

3 September 2026

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3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thailand's nationwide campaign against suspected nominee companies has widened to include a further 14,000 firms, Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee said on Tuesday, 1 September.

Allow foreigners who fund businesses to own them, if partly funded then allow documents to show shared ownership.

It would stop this madness overnight.

Wouldn't the easier question be how many companies aren't suspected nominee companies?

Has Thailand thought what would happen to the economy if these people withdraw their mony and left.

33 minutes ago, wombat said:

Wouldn't the easier question be how many companies aren't suspected nominee companies?

34 minutes ago, wombat said:

Wouldn't the easier question be how many companies aren't suspected nominee companies?

Isn't marvelous how things can change ? Before the Thai Authorities got modern computer technology wanted criminals from overseas countries lived in the community undetected , over-stayers were never discovered , the company nominee scheme would still be operating freely and the girl in the suitcase murdrer would be back in Australia now instead of being nabbed at the airport doing a runner.It' gotta be a win win for Thailand.

On 9/3/2026 at 10:20 AM, wavodavo said:

Isn't marvelous how things can change ? Before the Thai Authorities got modern computer technology wanted criminals from overseas countries lived in the community undetected , over-stayers were never discovered , the company nominee scheme would still be operating freely and the girl in the suitcase murdrer would be back in Australia now instead of being nabbed at the airport doing a runner.It' gotta be a win win for Thailand.

as ive said it on numerous occasions.... mutate or perish.