Hua Hin nominee crackdown widens as governor orders province-wide checks
Just hours after 13 foreign nationals were arrested in a major Hua Hin nominee crackdown, Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Sittichai Sawatsan called senior officials together to strengthen checks on businesses suspected of using Thai nominees on behalf of foreigners.
The meeting was held at Hua Hin Municipality at 1.30pm on 10 August, following a large-scale police operation earlier the same day in which 13 foreign nationals were arrested, 15 locations were searched and at least 33 companies were identified as being suspected of holding land and property on behalf of foreigners.
Governor Sittichai instructed all districts and relevant agencies in Prachuap Khiri Khan to tighten the monitoring, inspection and screening of businesses that could be using nominee shareholders.
He also called for closer and more regular information-sharing between government agencies so that suspected offences can be investigated and acted upon more effectively.
Province-wide checks on suspected nominee businesses
The meeting brought together provincial and district authorities, commerce officials and other government agencies to coordinate how suspected nominee arrangements should be identified and investigated.
Among those attending were Deputy Governors Apinya Iam-ampha and Preeda Sukjai, Prachuap Khiri Khan Permanent Secretary Rattaya At-Han Phoeyphon, Hua Hin District Chief Supachai Krutdam and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Commerce Officer Siriwan Khanason.
Heads of government departments, Members of Parliament and representatives of other relevant state agencies also attended.
Officials were briefed on foreign business regulations under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), as well as procedures for preventing and investigating the use of nominees in business operations.
Sectors likely to face particular scrutiny include:
• Real estate and property, including land purchases
• Tourism and hospitality, including hotels, resorts, tour operators and travel agencies
• Food and beverage businesses such as restaurants and bars
• Retail and e-commerce businesses
• Accounting, legal and other professional service firms involved in setting up company structures
Agencies also discussed their respective legal powers and responsibilities and how inspections and enforcement action could be coordinated across the province.
Governor Sittichai said officials should work within their legal authority while taking a strict approach to businesses that may be using nominee arrangements.
The meeting indicates that scrutiny of suspected nominee businesses is extending beyond the police operation in Hua Hin, with authorities seeking a more coordinated approach across Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Later coverage (10 September 2026): Hua Hin nominee crackdown intensifies as 694 entities face scrutiny.
Earlier coverage (2 August 2026): Police step up checks on foreign nominee businesses in Hua Hin.
Later coverage (20 October 2026): Thailand escalates land nominee crackdown as all 462 land offices ordered to act.