Pholpeer revealed the discovery of 11,000 companies suspected of holding land as nominees, with the estimated value rising to 85 billion baht. He set a deadline to complete investigations by the end of September and clarified that deportation penalties will not be used indiscriminately.
At 14:15 on 15 Sep 2026 GMT+7 at the Government House command building, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sutthammanoon to chair a joint meeting between the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice. The meeting addressed connections involving nominees, gray capital, and scammers, attended by Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphol Naowarat, Deputy Minister of Interior Pholpeer Suwanchawi, and representatives from related agencies.
At 15:15, Deputy Minister of Interior Pholpeer Suwanchawi stated after the meeting that today’s session was an informal discussion on working methods. Beyond nominee issues, other cases are being handled by the Ministry of Interior, Royal Thai Police, or Ministry of Commerce. They reviewed problems encountered during enforcement with each agency. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor, the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, and possibly the Ministry of Finance regarding company tax bases will be invited to join future meetings. Each agency now has an executive-level communication channel via a LINE group to quickly share urgent information, as the Justice Minister pointed out that relying solely on document submission delays response time.
Pholpeer said one key finding is that wrongdoers have been transferring ownership to evade responsibility. The government is working to reclaim the country and its land, especially targeting nominee holders and land possession, aiming to expedite processes. At this meeting, agencies shared figures showing approximately 2,200 companies hold land with majority foreign shareholders in violation of the law. Another 11,000 plus companies are suspected of changing shareholders or account numbers. Initial valuations two weeks ago estimated these at 65 billion baht, now increased to 85 billion baht. These figures will be presented to the Prime Minister. The Department of Lands will accelerate investigations into all land-holding companies and enforce land sales. For the other 11,000 plus companies, the police, Department of Business Development, Department of Lands, and Department of Provincial Administration will jointly investigate to determine illegality or nominee status, so legal action and land sales can proceed.
When asked about deadlines, Pholpeer stated all investigations must conclude by the end of September. The status of the 2,200 companies is clear, while the cases involving the other 11,000 plus companies must also be resolved by the end of September.
Regarding punitive measures and whether deportation is required, Pholpeer explained that land possession cases may not involve deportation. The deportation law signed by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is not intended for indiscriminate use. Deportation applies only when foreigners engage in illegal behavior or when court decisions mandate it. For example, in the Huai Khwang district nightclub case involving five foreigners who were fined by the court, deportation was not used; instead, their visas were revoked and they were asked to leave.