The latest checks in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s ongoing nominee crackdown focus on 92 land plots held by 71 legal entities whose ownership structures were found to breach landholding rules, according to provincial officials.
The plots cover 76 rai and 12.2 square wah. One entity has already sold a plot in Hua Hin measuring 30.1 square wah and valued at more than 300,000 baht.
The remaining 70 entities are being notified that they must sell their land within the legally prescribed period.
The update came as provincial officials, led by acting governor Apinya Iam-ampha, joined a nationwide government briefing on Monday, 19 October.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed provinces to investigate suspected cases individually, assign responsibility and set clear deadlines. Where offences are found, officials must expand investigations and take legal action.
Provincial investigations into nominee landholdings
The provincial land office and its branches identified the 71 entities as falling within Sections 97 and 98 of the Land Code. Foreigners held more than 49 per cent of their shares, or accounted for more than half of their shareholders.
Officials said failure to sell within the prescribed period would lead to enforcement action and sale by public auction. The disposal period set by the Department of Lands director-general must be between 180 days and one year.
Prachuap Khiri Khan has also appointed a committee to investigate suspected nominee arrangements, in which land is held on behalf of foreigners to circumvent the law.
The committee can examine cases arising from complaints, suspected violations or media reports. It will submit findings and recommendations to the governor and report to the Interior Ministry.
Nationwide, the Department of Lands said checks on 157,659 legal entities had initially identified 14,151 requiring further scrutiny.
Anutin also instructed provinces to monitor potential new nominee arrangements and explain land ownership requirements to residents and businesses.
