Janjira Sumanus on Thailand's nominee crackdown | Why company-owned property is now high risk

If you're one of the many foreigners in Thailand who bought property in a company name, using nominee shareholders, you need to listen to this.

Thailand’s nominee crackdown is intensifying — and foreign property owners in Hua Hin and across the country are now under closer scrutiny.

In this episode of the Hua Hin Today Podcast, we speak with Janjira Sumanus, CEO of MBMG Group, about what the nationwide investigation into nominee companies means in practical terms for foreigners who bought land or villas “in a company name”.

For years, setting up a Thai-registered company with Thai shareholders was widely seen as a secure way for foreigners to control property. That assumption is now being challenged. Authorities are conducting systematic reviews under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act and Land Code, examining who provided the capital, who controls the company, and whether Thai shareholders are genuine investors or nominees.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is among the provinces under heightened review. Thousands of property-linked companies are being examined, and some foreign residents have already received formal letters from the Department of Business Development requesting documentation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the nominee company crackdown actually involves

• Why enforcement has shifted to a multi-agency nationwide review

• What documents authorities are requesting

• Potential penalties, including fines, company dissolution and deportation

• Legal alternatives such as leasehold and usufruct arrangements

• What foreign homeowners in Hua Hin should do now

If you own land in Thailand through a company structure — or are considering buying property in a company name — this is essential listening.