The Department of Business Development led a team with Immigration and the Department of Employment to inspect risky businesses in Huai Khwang. They found numerous foreign nominee companies, overlapping business addresses, unlicensed supermarkets, and illegal labor employment.
Mr. Poonphong Nainapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, revealed that on 5 June 2026, he assigned M.L. Puthong Thongyai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Business Development, to lead a task force against nominee companies in the Huai Khwang area (Pracharat Bamphen Road). The operation was conducted jointly with the Immigration Office and the Department of Employment to inspect suspicious businesses including restaurants, supermarkets, and real estate agencies. The aim was to prevent and suppress violations of laws governing business operations, especially laws related to foreign business conduct, labor, and immigration.
Preliminary investigations by officials found activities potentially violating laws in three main areas, as follows.
Four companies share the same business address Further registration data analysis revealed one company with Thai and foreign shareholders operating in business and legal consulting, potentially a risky nominee case. Two other companies shared the same Thai directors and shareholders with registered capital of 30 million baht. Another company had only Thai shareholders but one foreign director, operating in construction contracting. No directors or shareholders were found on site; only Thai representatives claimed to manage the business but lacked detailed information. Additionally, the Thai shareholders appeared as directors in a company established in 2022 that had changed its name five times and failed to submit financial statements from 2023 to 2025, spanning three years. Immigration and the Department of Business Development will continue investigating whether these companies are genuinely operating.
Supermarket with 60% foreign ownership operates without license Officials found a company with 60% foreign shareholding running a retail supermarket. Upon inspection, the store was closed, and no business operation license was found. This suggests the foreign shareholders may be conducting business without permission. The Department will forward the case to law enforcement for prosecution.
Chinese restaurant uses personal accounts to receive payments Regarding a Chinese restaurant rumored to refuse payment in Thai baht, the inspection found Chinese nationals listed as company directors and foreign staff. The Chinese director claimed full ownership and investment but invited Thai partners to hold shares. Payment system checks over five days showed daily revenue around 30,000 baht, transferred to the director’s personal bank account. The Department has requested the business to promptly submit documents for in-depth examination.
Beyond company registrations, officials uncovered violations of labor and immigration laws. The Department of Employment detained foreigners for failing to notify their employer registration and working beyond permitted rights, referring them to Huai Khwang police for prosecution along with their employers. Meanwhile, Immigration arrested one foreigner for illegal entry and another for failing to report residence details, forwarding both for legal action.
“We appreciate the proactive cooperation between Immigration and the Department of Employment in protecting Thai entrepreneurs and consumers from unlawful acts that affect the domestic business community and the economy. The Department of Business Development and related agencies will continue serious, ongoing enforcement. Following this operation, the Department and Immigration will share information and extend investigations. Any violations found will be strictly prosecuted. However, we remain ready to facilitate legitimate foreign investors doing business in Thailand. Citizens who have information on illegal activities can report via the Department’s website,” said Director-General Poonphong.www.dbd.go.th. Director-General Poonphong concluded.
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