National Police Chief Sets Sights on New Crackdown Against Nominee Schemes, Vows Zero Tolerance for Foreign Land Ownership
Thailand's national police chief has vowed a zero-tolerance crackdown on nominee schemes and illegal foreign land ownership, with multiple operations already underway and arrests made from previous investigations.
National Police Commander General Kittarat Punthaiphetchr gave an interview at Government House on May 21, 2025, regarding progress in combating nominee schemes. He reported that the Prime Minister has been kept informed throughout, with Deputy Police Commander General Samran Nualma tasked with directing operations. The police chief noted that evidence has been collected since January and systematically documented, stressing that Thai land cannot be allowed to fall into foreign hands through illegal means.
General Kittarat stated that while legitimate foreign ownership within legal frameworks must be handled through proper legal channels, he firmly rejects cases where foreigners illegally enter the country, work unlawfully, or use legal loopholes to own businesses and real estate. He emphasized that inaction would allow the problem to expand, making future enforcement harder, and insisted operations must commence now rather than be postponed.
Another crackdown operation is imminent, with cases already documented. A previous operation resulted in three arrests warrants, with two suspects captured and one evading arrest. The two arrested showed irregularities in company registration, with computer files, documents, and financial records seized for further investigation and prosecution expansion. The police chief confirmed multiple additional operations will be launched across various locations but requested details remain confidential for now.
When asked about the scope of financial trail investigations, General Kittarat indicated several individuals would be targeted in upcoming operations based on existing intelligence. He authorized Deputy Commander Samran to head the task force against foreign nationals conducting illegal business activities and all related nominee schemes. The Prime Minister's policy demands decisive enforcement against such violations, with today's workshop also addressing this issue.
"Whatever leads to complacency and neglect, becoming like cancer, we will cut off at the root," General Kittarat stated. "This will deter potential wrongdoers, and violations will eventually decline. Action should begin now, though full success may require considerable time."
