PM Anupong Orders Land Department to Escalate Crackdown on Nominee Land Holdings

Prime Minister Anupong Paojinda has expressed concern over the growing issue of foreigners using Thai nationals as nominee landholders to circumvent restrictions on foreign land ownership. This practice has created anxiety among the public regarding land prices and access to property resources for Thai citizens. The PM has ordered the Land Department to elevate inspection and oversight measures for land transactions nationwide, aiming to prevent Thais from being used as fronts for foreign land purchases and to block exploitation of legal loopholes.

Following this directive, the Land Department has sent urgent instructions to provincial governors nationwide, requesting that land officials work closely with relevant agencies to strictly implement anti-nominee guidelines. The department is also launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of nominee arrangements and encouraging reporting of suspected violations to authorities. All provincial land offices have been instructed to intensify monitoring and investigation of high-risk transactions, with particular attention to major economic zones, tourist destinations, and areas with significant foreign capital investment.

The Land Department confirmed it has been conducting ongoing investigations, including deep audits of fund sources, property ownership links, corporate shareholding structures, and suspicious behavioral patterns indicating nominee arrangements. When violations are suspected, immediate investigation and legal action follow. Specific scrutiny protocols include: (1) investigations when individuals or Thai-owned companies purchase land with cash payments exceeding 2 million baht or property valued above 5 million baht, with exceptions for legitimate inheritance; (2) careful examination of corporate entities with suspicious shareholding changes, capital increases, or unusual share transfers intended to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions; and (3) monthly audits of entities with foreign shareholders or directors, with quarterly reports to the Land Department. Clear evidence of violations will result in strict legal prosecution against both companies and individuals involved.