Chonburi: The Department of Business Development is intensifying its efforts against nominee involvement in factories by collaborating with relevant agencies for inspections in Chonburi Province. Initial findings suggest violations related to the installation of machinery.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, has tasked the Director of the Bureau of Illegal Business Prevention and Suppression to visit industrial factories in Chonburi Province. This initiative involves a working group appointed by the House of Representatives Committee on Industrial Affairs to monitor and gather data on industrial factory construction in Tha Bun Mi Subdistrict, Ko Chan District.

On November 19, 2015, the team participated in an inspection of industrial factory construction data in Tha Bun Mi Subdistrict, Ko Chan District, Chonburi Province. The mission aimed to prevent and suppress nominees, revealing that the company held shares on behalf of foreigners, raising concerns about being a nominee. The factory, situated on approximately 300 rai of land, was involved in real estate trading, leasing portions for factory operations, supervising construction, and screening potential tenants. A factory representative indicated that operations had yet to commence. The Provincial Industrial Office initially found violations concerning machinery installation regulations, leading to a filed complaint and prosecution.

The Department has summoned directors and shareholders of the companies, identified as high-risk nominees, to clarify their business operations and investments. Statements from directors and shareholders of related companies have been recorded. The investigation revealed connections between foreign directors and Thai shareholders across multiple companies. Efforts are underway to gather facts and expand the investigation.

Holding shares on behalf of foreigners is illegal and impacts the country’s economic stability. The public is encouraged to report potential nominee businesses through the Department of Business Development’s website, www.dbd.go.th, under the “Nominee Complaints” section, to help create a transparent and fair trading system.