Peerapun is concerned about the government’s decision to unlock 8 foreign business sectors, removing the Ministry of Commerce’s authority to monitor, inspect, and regulate these foreign enterprises, which could impact national security.
On 15 May 2026, Peerapun Salirutwiboon, leader of the United Thai Nation Party, expressed deep concern over the Cabinet’s approval of two draft laws under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999). These laws exempt 8 categories of service businesses from requiring foreign investors to obtain permission from the Ministry of Commerce. He noted that many of these businesses relate to economic security, natural resources, and citizen databases, which internationally should be under state supervision. This includes petroleum drilling services, considered a national asset of all Thai people. Previously, the law designated the Ministry of Commerce as the main agency controlling foreign business operations, but with the royal decree exempting these 8 key sectors, foreign companies legally authorized will no longer be regulated under the Foreign Business Act.
Peerapun added that a significant impact is that the Ministry of Commerce will lose its authority to monitor, inspect, and control foreign businesses in these sectors, even if they are licensed under other laws. This inevitably undermines the mechanisms protecting the nation’s and citizens’ interests.