PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s House Foreign Affairs Committee visited Pattaya on September 18 to gather information on foreign nationals’ business activities and coordinate with local agencies investigating possible nominee arrangements and other illegal business operations. The committee, led by First Deputy Chairman Wasawat Phuangphonsri, held a joint meeting with Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaivong, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and representatives from relevant agencies at Pattaya City Hall.
The visit focused on “monitoring and investigating the use of business rights by foreigners in Thailand,” with the committee collecting information on local problems, impacts and recommendations to support future measures governing foreign business activities.
Pattaya officials provided information on the situation in the city and supported greater cooperation between agencies to ensure businesses operate legally while maintaining public order and confidence among residents and tourists.
The Chonburi Provincial Commerce Office reported that 14,264 registered legal entities in the province have been identified as having foreign nationals involved as investors or shareholders. These entities are considered groups requiring monitoring and risk assessment. In an initial review of 70 entities, 54 responded to requests for clarification while 16 did not. The assessment placed 39 in the high-risk category and 31 in the low-risk category. The relevant agencies are continuing to verify the information and facts.
The Bang Lamung branch of the Chonburi Provincial Land Office reported that about 350 land holdings in the district are held through legal entities linked to foreign nationals. More than 7,000 cases are also being reviewed in connection with possible nominee arrangements. The Land Office is coordinating information with the Provincial Commerce Office and other agencies to establish the facts and determine whether any cases violate the law.
The meeting brought together representatives from Chonburi Province, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, the Provincial Commerce Office, Employment Office, Land Office, Chonburi Immigration, Pattaya Tourist Police, Department of Special Investigation Area 2, Chonburi Provincial Police and Chonburi Area Revenue Office 3.
The agencies exchanged information and reported progress in their respective areas, with the committee seeking to improve coordination between authorities. Following the meeting, the committee and participating agencies were scheduled to visit tourism businesses operating boats and gather information from operators. They were also due to inspect Pattaya Walking Street to assess conditions on the ground. The information collected during the visit will be submitted to the committee for consideration in developing further oversight measures.
The planned approach includes integrating information on individuals, legal entities, shareholders, financial transactions and land ownership to support investigations and enforcement against unlawful business activities, including nominee arrangements and the use of Thailand as a base for continuing criminal activity.
