The Thai government is ramping up efforts to crack down on illegal businesses and suspected nominee arrangements

The Thai government is intensifying efforts against illegal businesses and nominee shareholding through inspections in Bangkok, revealing licensing issues, potential unauthorized employment, and investigating corruption among officials.

Key Points

• The Thai government intensified efforts against illegal business networks and nominee shareholding in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang District, led by Deputy Minister of Interior Polapee Suwunchwee. Joint inspections revealed some hotels operating without licenses and potential violations related to foreign investment.
• Inspections also highlighted issues with fire safety, unauthorized foreign workers, and construction irregularities. An operator attempted to bribe officials to evade legal action, prompting further investigation and possible disciplinary measures for involved public officials.
• The government plans to expand inspections nationwide, focusing on public information, online reviews, and financial tracing. The commitment to legal action against corrupt practices aims to protect local entrepreneurs and restore public trust.

Thai Government Steps Up Action Against Illegal Businesses and Suspected Nominee Arrangements

The government has increased enforcement against illegal business networks and suspected nominee shareholding by conducting joint inspections of hotels and establishments in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang District.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana stated that Deputy Minister of Interior Polapee Suwunchwee led the Integrated Huai Khwang operation on August 9, 2026, in response to public complaints and information.

​The operation involved the Department of Provincial Administration, the Immigration Bureau, the Department of Business Development, the Department of Employment, and the Department of Special Investigation.

​Preliminary inspections revealed that some hotels and establishments may have operated without licenses. Authorities also identified construction or modification issues requiring legal review, as well as possible cases of Thai nationals holding shares for foreign investors. Investigations and evidence collection are ongoing.

​Officials also identified concerns with fire escapes, emergency exits, and fire-prevention systems. Labor inspections found foreign nationals potentially working without proper authorization or in roles reserved for Thai citizens.

​During the operation, a business operator allegedly attempted to offer benefits to officials in exchange for avoiding legal action and referenced local agency officials. The Interior Ministry has ordered further investigation, and disciplinary or criminal proceedings will follow if any public official is found to be involved.

​The Land Department will review property ownership, while investigators will trace financial activities, including QR codes potentially linked to illegal gambling sites, payments outside Thai bank accounts, and transactions on foreign platforms.

The Deputy Spokesperson stated that the government plans to expand inspections nationwide using public information, online platform reviews, and financial tracing. The government remains committed to taking decisive legal action against foreign capitalists, nominees, legal and accounting facilitators, and corrupt officials to protect Thai entrepreneurs and restore public trust.

Source : Thai Government Steps Up Action Against Illegal Businesses and Suspected Nominee Arrangements