DSI Lets Phuket MP Submit More Evidence in Nominee Probe
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said it is still giving Phuket MP Somchat Taytawornjarern a chance to submit more evidence in an investigation into possible nominee shareholdings used to acquire property for foreigners. Somchat appeared before the agency on October 2, 2026, admitted he owns the law firm involved and provided financial details, though specifics remain confidential. The DSI will decide whether to pursue a special case under the land or foreign business laws after reviewing all evidence.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) confirmed it is still allowing Phuket MP Somchat Taytawornjarern to submit further evidence in the probe into alleged nominee shareholdings used to acquire property on behalf of foreign nationals. Somchat, who appeared before the DSI’s Security Crime Division on October 2, 2026, admitted he owns the law firm at the centre of the inquiry and works primarily as a legal adviser. He provided investigators with corporate financial records and information on the origin of funds used for the business, although those details remain confidential as they form part of the ongoing case file. The DSI said it is still reviewing all material to determine whether any individual or corporate entity violated the Land Code or the Foreign Business Act of 1999 by arranging nominee structures to hold high‑value real estate, tourism or service‑sector assets. Investigators are also examining whether the law firm has been used to register dummy companies for foreigners, a practice that has already led to nearly a hundred suspect firms being flagged in Phuket. If wrongdoing is found, the firms could be prosecuted for prohibited business activities that damage the economy.
