PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Justice Ministry, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Department of Business Development (DBD), and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) have held high-level talks with professional bodies including the Law Society of Thailand and the Federation of Accounting Professions to strengthen action against foreign nominee arrangements. The meeting, held on May 20 at the Ministry of Justice, was chaired by Pol. Lt. Gen. Saipetch Srisang, Minister of Justice’s advisor, on behalf of the Justice Minister. Senior representatives from multiple agencies attended, including officials from the Ministry of Finance, DSI, AMLO, and business registration authorities.
The discussions focused on tightening regulatory and disciplinary frameworks for legal and accounting professionals suspected of assisting or facilitating “nominee” structures, where Thai nationals are used to conceal foreign ownership of businesses. Officials said the issue has been increasingly reported in key tourism and investment areas such as Surat Thani (including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan) and Phuket, where foreign-linked businesses are under closer scrutiny.
Authorities also reviewed ongoing investigations and intelligence on cases involving potential misuse of professional services in setting up companies that may violate Thai business and land ownership laws. Agencies emphasized the need for coordinated data sharing, financial tracking, and faster referral mechanisms for criminal investigation when wrongdoing is suspected. Under the proposed framework, if lawyers or accountants are found to be involved in facilitating nominee arrangements, their cases will be forwarded to their respective professional councils for disciplinary action, in addition to any criminal proceedings. Officials stressed that all professional bodies must strictly adhere to ethical standards and legal compliance, warning that enforcement actions will be taken without exception where violations are confirmed.
