Government launches Pattaya nominee crackdown, orders closure of four tour firms

[Gaybutton]

I doubt this affects anyone reading this, but it would if you have spent any money for services rendered by firms that are being closed down. I don't think you would be in any legal trouble, but you would almost certainly lose your money if you have paid for service, such as buying airline tickets via one of these travel agencies, but have not yet received what you paid for.
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Government launches Pattaya nominee crackdown, orders closure of four tour firms

March 22, 2026

The Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, has stepped up its crackdown on “nominee” businesses by integrating cooperation with relevant agencies and carrying out on-site inspections of businesses in Chon Buri, one of the country’s key economic areas for tourism and real estate.

Numerous irregularities were found, and legal action has begun immediately.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, said that from March 18-20, 2026, the department worked with partner agencies, namely the Department of Tourism, through its Eastern branch office for tourism business and tourist guide registration, the Tourist Police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Immigration Office, and the Chon Buri Provincial Commerce Office, to inspect businesses in Pattaya considered at risk of operating as nominee structures.

The operation focused on tourism businesses, related businesses and real estate businesses.

The operation began with inspections of four accounting and law offices that appeared to be using the same premises to register multiple companies.

Officials also found a case in which a single Thai national held shares in more than 100 companies, with a combined investment value of no less than 300 million baht.

This raised suspicions of shareholding on behalf of foreign nationals, or assistance in circumventing restrictions under the Foreign Business Act 1999.

The department has urgently summoned those involved to clarify the facts.

If wrongdoing is found, it will pursue legal action to the fullest extent, particularly in cases involving nominee structures that distort competition and place Thai entrepreneurs at a disadvantage.

In the tour business sector, clear irregularities were found in four juristic persons whose changes to company directors resulted in director ratios that no longer complied with the law under the Tourism Business and Tourist Guide Act 2008.

Officials, therefore, ordered the immediate revocation of their licences.

The companies ordered to close were Aletia Tours Co., Ltd., Yor Indo-Thai Group Company Limited, Y J H Co., Ltd., and Di V-Ext Co., Ltd.

At the same time, officials also found three foreign businesses engaged in the buying and selling of real estate, which is a prohibited business under List One (9) of the law.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/ne ... l/40064096

[2lz2p]

More on the subject,
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ent-546095

Deals mostly with business investors, but of import to those who have a company limited as owner of their house/condo, is the following:

Property structures under scrutiny

Nominee structures are not limited to business operations. A significant portion has been used in property holding, particularly condominium ownership through company structures designed to bypass foreign ownership limits. These arrangements are now under increasing scrutiny. As enforcement intensifies, the risks extend beyond corporate compliance to the security of the underlying asset itself. This has direct implications for both the real estate market and investor confidence.

[Gaybutton]

of import to those who have a company limited as owner of their house/condo

If that applies to anyone reading this, perhaps it would be a good idea to consult a Thai attorney to make sure of where you stand and what, if anything, you might need to do to prevent "unfortunate" consequences. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Jun]

.....you would almost certainly lose your money if you have paid for service, such as buying airline tickets via one of these travel agencies, but have not yet received what you paid for

1 Always pay for airline tickets with a credit card. If the airline goes bust before you travel, the credit card company is liable for the refund. At least, that's how it works in the UK.
I apply the same principles to any other sector with a high risk of insolvency. Such as furniture retailers. Although, where possible, I like to walk out of the door with the product, rather than pay a deposit and wait.

2 I prefer to book airline tickets directly. I'll do a price search and usually book direct with the airline, not via some intermediary. In some cases, that might be a few pounds more expensive. However, I know where I stand with bookings, vegetarian meals and seat selection. Plus there is one less party at risk of failure.