Thailand probes 2,200 firms over nominee land claims

Thai authorities have identified about 2,200 companies suspected of illegally holding land through foreign-majority ownership, as part of a crackdown on nominee businesses.

The cases are being examined alongside wider concerns over foreign capital, changes to company ownership and possible links to scam operations, according to Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee.

Land sales could follow confirmed breaches

Mr Polapee spoke after a meeting involving the Justice and Commerce ministries, where agencies shared information on nominee arrangements, foreign capital and scam operations.

He said the Department of Lands would speed up its investigation of the 2,200 companies. Where breaches are confirmed, authorities will seek compulsory sales of the land involved.

The investigation does not yet establish that any of the companies have broken the law. Officials must first determine whether each business is legitimate or is operating as a nominee entity.

More than 11,000 other firms flagged

Authorities have also identified more than 11,000 companies considered suspicious because of possible changes in shareholders or bank accounts, Mr Polapee said.

The estimated value of assets linked to those suspicious companies has increased from 65 billion baht two weeks ago to 85 billion baht, he added.

Police, the Business Development Department, Land Department and Department of Provincial Administration will examine the firms as part of the probe. Their task is to establish whether the businesses are genuine operations or nominee companies.

Mr Polapee said the investigations are expected to be completed by the end of September.

The enforcement drive comes as Thai authorities seek to identify company structures that may be used to bypass restrictions on foreign participation in certain sectors, including land holding. Any compulsory sale order would apply only after violations have been confirmed.

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18 September 2026

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