Bangkok: The public is raising concerns about the government's willingness to address issues related to shady capital, nominees, and illegal foreign activities. Amidst these concerns, Mr. Ekkapop Pienpises, the spokesperson for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, affirmed the government's commitment to tackling these matters head-on and highlighted significant achievements in reducing nominee activities and seizing illicit assets.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkapop addressed calls for urgent resolution of the issue of foreign capital using Thai nationals as nominees to conceal identities and illegal business activities by foreigners. He emphasized the government's directive to monitor behavior and conduct on-site inspections to trace financial trails. The Department of Business Development reported an 81.77% decrease in high-risk nominee companies, with a reduction from 894 companies in August 2025 to 163 in August 2026. The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized an additional 34 assets worth approximately 8,269 million baht in the 'Yim Liak - Ben Smith' network case.
A recent investigation on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, uncovered 112 legal entities with foreign shareholder proportions exceeding legal limits. These entities collectively own 124 land plots, and legal action is underway for those violating regulations. The government also initiated "Operation Huai Khwang Integrated Investigation" to inspect establishments for compliance, revealing some lacked licenses and had issues with building modifications.
Prime Minister Anutin has issued orders to crack down on individuals exploiting legal loopholes, emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting legal foreign investment. Recently, orders were signed to deport Mr. Yaakov Ohayon and Mr. Kevin Dimino for violating Thai laws and disrupting public order. Discussions with Israeli officials emphasized respect for Thai laws and cooperation in tourism.
Mr. Ekkapop reiterated that Thai law applies equally to all, with no special privileges for any nationality. The Prime Minister values creating a transparent economic system to attract foreign investment and listens to public feedback as a force for protecting national interests.