The Government is moving forward with creating transparent and fair trade competition. Accordingly, the Ministry of Commerce has listed the prevention and crackdown on illegal businesses and goods among its nine urgent short- and medium-term operational priorities, announced on 15 September 2026.

Speaking on 23 September, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana explained that the primary goal was to tackle the use of Thai proxy individuals. or “nominees,” and to curb unlawful foreign business operations. 

Ms. Lalida cited this approach as an enhancement to tighten existing measures, saying that this is not the initial phase of inspecting nominee arrangements. Since 1 August 2026, inspections have been expanded from the formation of legal entities to post-registration structural changes, including shifts in shareholders, directors, or authorized signatories –  enabling continuous risk monitoring throughout the entire lifecycle of these entities. 

If the criteria are met, applicants must provide details of their investment and submit relevant financial evidence. This will enable the authority to verify the source of investment funds and actual investment capacity, using the information provided for case-by-case consideration.

She emphasized that being screened as a high-risk group does not mean the company is at fault or acting as a nominee. Furthermore, having foreign shareholders within the legally permitted proportion does not automatically make a company a nominee. Officials must examine the facts and evidence before taking legal action to avoid stereotyping legitimately operated businesses, while ensuring no loopholes are left for evading Thai law through corporate structures.

The Government's objective is not to make foreign investment more difficult, but to create a fair playing field, so that investors who enter legally and transparently can operate their businesses with confidence. Meanwhile, those who use Thai nominees or corporate structures to evade the law will be investigated and prosecuted. Risk-based screening and collaboration among many agencies will enable detailed and accurate inspections without creating barriers to legitimate investment,