Thailand sets December deadline for foreign land nominee probes. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials to complete investigations into suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to hold Thai land by December 2026.- Thailand News - ASEAN NOW

Thailand sets December deadline for foreign land nominee probes Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials to complete investigations into suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to hold Thai land by December 2026. Launching the operation at Santi Maitri Building, Government House, on 19 October, Anutin said the government would pursue unlawful foreign landholding seriously, while continuing to welcome transparent investment that complies with Thai law. Checks to go beyond names on title deeds Anutin, who is also Interior Minister, said enquiries must not stop with the name on a land title deed or company share certificates. Authorities must identify the person exercising real control and benefiting from the land, trace assets and examine those connected with any suspected network. The Department of Lands and provincial governors have been told to prioritise risk groups, assign responsible officers, set procedures and clear timetables, and refer linked cases to other agencies without delay. The deadline for completing checks on risk groups is December 2026. The operation involves agencies including the Royal Thai Police, Department of Provincial Administration, Anti-Money Laundering Office, Department of Special Investigation and the Board of Investment (BOI). The BOI will check relevant rights and conditions in applicable cases. Forced sales and tougher monitoring Where unlawful landholding is found, authorities are to enforce compulsory sale procedures and follow through against related conduct, Anutin said. He stressed that officials must prevent a nominee simply being replaced by another nominee. The government also wants agencies to use findings from the operation to improve monitoring before and after registrations, including changes in company shareholding structures and behaviour that could point to land being held for a foreigner. Officials are to provide accessible channels for tip-offs and publish overall progress regularly, while protecting the rights of those involved and avoiding any impact on active legal cases. Anutin said the government had already issued a Prime Minister's Office announcement concerning deportation of offenders or undesirable persons, and was continuing action including revocation of nationality for foreign nationals whose conduct did not respect Thai people or Thai law. Government targets more than 10 billion baht The Prime Minister said no-one is above the law, there are no influence people or power, that is above that of the government and its officers acting under the law. He urged provincial governors and land officials to apply the instructions immediately in all cases, saying officers carrying out their duties would receive full government protection. He also said the wider campaign also covered drugs, illegal gambling dens, unlawful entertainment venues, human trafficking, grey capital, scammers and corruption. If land can be compulsorily sold quickly, more than 10 billion baht could circulate back to the state, Anutin said, describing this as part of the government's aim of creating clarity and fairness for Thai people. Pictures courtesy of Amarin 20 October 2026