BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Commerce, through the Department of Business Development (DBD), has initiated a comprehensive review of three foreign-linked delivery and service platforms in Thailand. The review will focus on shareholder structures, business status, investment sources, and potential nominee arrangements. DBD Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn stated that the review was prompted by reports of foreign delivery and service platforms operating in Thailand to meet language-related demand from tourists and foreign residents. The department is working with relevant agencies to assess compliance with the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999). Initial checks of corporate registration records show that two businesses are registered as Thai juristic persons, while one is registered as a foreign juristic person with the necessary investment promotion and foreign business certification. The DBD is conducting further reviews of funding sources, management authority, and shareholder relationships.
For Thai-registered entities, authorities are investigating whether Thai shareholders are acting as nominees for foreign investors to bypass legal restrictions. The authorities are reviewing the foreign-registered entity’s compliance with the Foreign Business Act. The department stated that any confirmed violations will result in legal action, including fines and, in some cases, imprisonment as prescribed by law. It also emphasized that the three businesses will be treated fairly and are presumed innocent until the review is complete. The Director emphasized that legally compliant operations are welcome, as they create jobs for local delivery riders. However, any evidence of legal evasion or nominee arrangements will prompt decisive action to prosecute and protect national interests, while maintaining transparent and equitable investment standards. The Director reaffirmed that the DBD will continue to monitor digital platforms using foreign-language services and electronic payment systems to ensure fair competition, protect Thai businesses, and support transparent investment in Thailand. (NNT)
