Thai authorities officially launched the third phase of a large-scale crackdown on foreign nominee businesses on June 20, expanding their ongoing investigation into Phang Nga province.
This development is the latest in an ongoing sweep across the southern islands. The Department of Business Development (DBD) recently expanded its probe into suspected nominee businesses in Phuket and Krabi, uncovering suspected illegal assets valued at nearly 1 billion baht, according to The Thaiger.
Now, the investigation is widening geographically. Multiple agencies, including local police, are coordinating to stamp out illegal activities across the wider Andaman region, Thai Newsroom reports.
What this means for foreign property owners
If you hold property or run a business in southern Thailand through a Thai limited company, the regulatory environment is becoming noticeably stricter. The inclusion of Phang Nga signals that authorities are systematically auditing foreign-linked companies across the tourist corridor.
Because multiple agencies are involved in this third phase, expats relying on local corporate structures should take this enforcement campaign seriously. To ensure your setup survives scrutiny, consider the following steps:
- Consult a qualified Thai corporate lawyer to review your current company structure.
- Ensure your business operations and shareholder setups strictly comply with Thai law.
- Prepare for potential audits if your company holds significant real estate or assets in Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga.
The expansion into Phang Nga shows this crackdown is a sustained regional effort rather than a brief, localized event.
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