Ignoring all pressures, the Prime Minister orders a crackdown on nominee land ownership, demanding investigations be completed by December 2026. He points out using 'behavioral name closure' to reduce memory loss issues, dismissing questions like “Do you know who I am?” and pushes for forced land sales to recover funds for the state.
At 10:00 a.m. on 19 Oct 2026 GMT+7. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. He launched the crackdown operation against nominee land ownership, forced sales, and investigations into high-risk land holdings to protect national interests at Santi Maitri Building, Government House. He said today's operation clearly confirms the government's firm intent to seriously address unlawful foreign land ownership evading Thai law. Land is a vital national resource, and its ownership and use must comply with laws fairly and prevent exploitation. This issue affects not only fairness in resource use but also national security and public confidence in law enforcement.
He affirmed that the government has consistently prioritized combating illicit capital, illegal businesses, and nominee networks. On behalf of the government, he praised agencies such as the Royal Thai Police, Department of Provincial Administration, Anti-Money Laundering Office, Department of Special Investigation, and others for their integrated efforts that benefit the public and prevent exploitation of Thai citizens.
The Prime Minister continued: Investigations must go beyond checking names on title deeds or share certificates to identify the real controllers behind the benefits. They must trace asset flows and involved persons to prosecute offenders and thoroughly dismantle networks according to the law. At the same time, the government welcomes and supports foreign investment that is honest, transparent, complies with Thai law, respects Thai citizens' rights, and lawfully holds land. It promotes investment and related laws.
Thus, this operation must be based on seriousness against offenders and fairness to lawful actors, whether individuals or legal entities. Success will be measured not just by detections but by resolutions and effective law enforcement. This mission requires integrated cooperation beyond any single agency. Since becoming Minister of Interior, he has called for collaboration not only within the Ministry but also across agencies, which has been successful. This cooperation also extends to investigating local corruption, enabling swift action against dishonest actors.
Regarding the Department of Lands, the Prime Minister said attention must be paid to land ownership and sales, with the Board of Investment verifying rights and related conditions thoroughly. From today, the government requests three actions:
1. Urgently investigate high-risk groups case by case. The Department of Lands and provincial governors must prioritize, assign responsibility, define procedures, and set clear deadlines. If networks are found, promptly escalate to competent authorities. This investigation must finish by December 2026. Continuous expansion will enable revoking rights of foreign offenders exploiting Thai citizens. The current government has issued a Prime Minister’s Office announcement on deporting offenders or undesirable persons, with ongoing enforcement including revoking citizenship of foreigners disrespecting Thai people and laws.
2. Enforce forced land sales and monitor outcomes. If unlawful land holdings are found, legal actions must be followed by suppressing related tactics to prevent nominee replacements that perpetuate the problem.
3. Close loopholes and establish long-term safeguards. Agencies will use findings from this operation to improve surveillance systems before and after registering rights or legal acts, including shareholder structure changes and behaviors leading to foreign land ownership. Channels for accessible tips will be opened, and overall results regularly published, respecting involved parties’ rights and case confidentiality.
The Prime Minister urged provincial governors and land officers to immediately implement these orders locally. He emphasized the government’s commitment to governance principles, transparency, fairness, and law adherence to protect national interests, maintain public trust, and assure honest businesses and investors. The approach of 'behavioral name closure' is government policy, entrusted to agencies for enforcement. Most involved are influential individuals but none surpass the government’s or officials’ authority. The government acts within the law, without fear of any pressure. This administration is clear and determined.
“The 'behavioral name closure' approach reduces memory loss issues. No need to ask 'Do you know who I am?' If laws are broken, whoever the person is, the government acts. Ministers and agency leaders have responded well and effectively solved memory loss problems. Everyone knows the government is consistently working with you to seize assets and prosecute to prevent drugs, illicit capital, nominees, scammers, and corruption.”
Additionally, the Prime Minister said some ask why he must handle so many issues or go into the field. He is not only Prime Minister but also Interior Minister. Sometimes he must work closely to quickly ease public worries. Many tasks remain, such as combating drugs, illegal gambling, unlawful entertainment venues, and human trafficking. Continuous actions against lawbreakers are necessary. He assured officials that their work will be fully protected by the government. No one will cause them harm for their efforts; on the contrary, those who harm them will face consequences themselves.
“If forced land sales are expedited, tens of billions of baht will circulate back, bringing clarity and fairness to Thai people. This is the government’s goal.”
