Phuket MP asks officials to investigate alleged nominee director and naturalisation process

Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee has asked provincial authorities to investigate an individual he alleges is a director of five companies suspected of concealing foreign business operations.

Mr Chalermpong, the MP for Phuket Constituency 2, submitted a formal complaint to the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office on Friday, July 3. The complaint was received by office chief Waranit Apiratjirawong, who said the office would investigate the allegations.

According to Mr Chalermpong, the individual holds a Thai national identification card beginning with the number 8, which he said indicates the person was born outside Thailand and later acquired Thai citizenship. He alleged that the person is listed as a director of five companies connected to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions tourism sector and said the businesses may be operating as nominee companies for foreign investors.

Mr Chalermpong said the documents his team uncovered had been submitted for an investigation into the alleged nominee arrangements and the five registered companies. He also said the companies have relatively high registered capital and called for authorities to examine the source of the investment funds, including whether there are grounds to look into possible money laundering offences.

In a separate complaint filed with the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre, Mr Chalermpong asked officials to verify the legal process through which the individual obtained Thai citizenship. He said this should include checking the documentation submitted, the recognition of parental relationships and the issuance of the national identification card.

In a statement posted on social media after filing the complaint, Mr Chalermpong said he was not accusing the individual of committing a crime, but was asking agencies to verify whether every step of the naturalisation process complied with Thai law. He said that if the inspection found the process was lawful, it would provide clarity for the public, but if irregularities were found, the law should be enforced equally.

He also asked authorities to examine reports that the individual had previously served as a police volunteer in Phuket before obtaining Thai nationality, and to determine whether all legal qualifications for that role had been met.

Ms Waranit said the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office would coordinate with other agencies and proceed in line with the evidence provided. She said nominee businesses remain a major focus for Phuket authorities.

She added that Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat has assigned Vice Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp to oversee investigations into suspected nominee business operations, with the Commerce Office, Land Office and police jointly handling complaints and gathering evidence. Some cases have already been completed, while others remain under investigation or have been forwarded for legal proceedings, she said.

Ms Waranit said the Commerce Office database has identified more than 6,600 legal entities in Phuket as being at risk of operating as nominee companies across six sectors: land trading, real estate, e-commerce, tourism, hotels and resorts, and agricultural products. Authorities have completed investigations into 23 cases involving 25 companies, with legal action initiated where appropriate, while remaining cases are being expedited.

Thailand’s Foreign Business Act bars foreign nationals from operating certain businesses unless they receive special permission. The use of Thai nationals as nominee shareholders or directors to conceal foreign ownership is illegal. Authorities have not identified the individual named in Mr Chalermpong’s complaint, and no charges have been filed. The allegations remain under investigation.