PATTAYA, Thailand – The governor of Chonburi has instructed authorities to step up security monitoring in Pattaya and intensify inspections of suspected foreign nominee businesses, following rising global tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Naris Niramaiwong, governor of Chonburi, chaired a security meeting with senior police, provincial officials, and investigators at Pattaya City Police Station, March 6, to assess possible impacts from the international situation and coordinate preventive measures.
Officials reviewed developments related to unrest in the Middle East and the multinational military exercise Cobra Gold, which is currently bringing foreign military personnel to Thailand, including temporary stays in Pattaya.
Police reported that security forces have been placed on heightened alert in Pattaya and surrounding areas due to the city’s large international population, including visitors from countries currently involved in tensions such as the United States, Iran, and Israel. Authorities have deployed integrated patrol teams to monitor six key locations across the city, while routine patrols have been increased to every two hours.
Security arrangements have also been put in place to protect foreign troops participating in the Cobra Gold exercise. Approximately 250 personnel per group are expected to stay in Pattaya during two separate rotations, with checkpoints and screening points established to maintain order throughout their stay.
The governor also instructed agencies to review the city’s surveillance infrastructure, particularly AI-powered facial recognition cameras, to ensure they are fully operational and capable of supporting public safety efforts in major gathering areas such as religious sites, hotels, and nightlife venues.
During the meeting, officials also discussed concerns about foreign nominee businesses operating in the province. Authorities said Chonburi currently has the highest number of suspected nominee company registrations in Thailand, with more than 14,000 entities under scrutiny—surpassing both Bangkok and Phuket.
Investigations have found that some companies are initially registered under Thai nationals but later have directors or shareholders changed to foreign individuals through unauthorized access to company registration systems. Officials warn that such practices may allow illegal business operations, tax evasion, and the transfer of profits overseas.
The governor ordered closer cooperation between police, the Ministry of Commerce, the Revenue Department, and business registration authorities to investigate suspicious companies and pursue legal action where necessary.
Officials said the coordinated effort aims to protect Thailand’s economic system while maintaining security in one of the country’s most internationally diverse tourism hubs.
