DSI Summons Phuket MP Over Foreign Nominee Property Holdings

The Department of Special Investigation has issued a summons for Somchai Tetchawarachurkul, a Phuket member of parliament from the People's Party, to provide a statement on August 31 regarding suspicions that he may be serving as a foreign nominee in holding real estate. As of August 20, the DSI confirmed that its special cases division investigators are preparing to question Somchai about his involvement in holding shares and directorships in companies linked to the establishment of a law office, specifically regarding financial flows through corporate entities allegedly operating as nominees. The investigation found that more than 30 companies associated with Somchai have been registered, with the majority having no genuine business operations but serving only to hold land and condominiums jointly with foreigners. According to reports, Somchai holds 99.99% shares in non-operational companies focused on holding property valued at over 100 million baht on behalf of foreign nationals, raising concerns about capital sources and irregular leasing arrangements. While the conduct does not yet appear to constitute an offense under Thailand's Foreign Business Operations Act, it may violate the Land Code, particularly regarding nominee arrangements. The DSI will issue a formal letter summoning Somchai to appear as a witness; he may also provide a voluntary statement beforehand if desired. Officials emphasized this remains an investigation phase with no formal charges filed against any individual, pending witness testimony and evidence compilation. Somchai previously posted that he would clarify the matter with the DSI to demonstrate his innocence, though investigators report receiving no prior contact from him. Should Somchai provide documents, he must bring company registration papers, board structures, operational duties, and financial records to explain the origin of funds used to hold property, land, and condominiums with foreign nationals.