Bangkok: "Pholpeer" has announced that the investigation into over 11,000 nominee companies, suspected of holding land valued at 85 billion baht, will be finalized by the end of this month. Pol. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat, the Minister of Justice, stated that during a recent meeting chaired by Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, updates on preventing and suppressing offenses committed by foreigners, transnational crime, scammers, and nominees were discussed. The meeting addressed obstacles faced by the police and the Land Department, emphasizing the importance of coordinating information sharing among the parties involved.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Interior Minister Polpeera Suwannachawi revealed that the informal meeting facilitated information exchange on operational challenges among participating agencies. It was highlighted that relying on lengthy document submissions could delay legal proceedings, and thus, expedited communication channels at the executive level are being utilized. General Peer emphasized the urgency of reclaiming Thai land from nominees holding the land by expediting legal actions.

General Peer also reported that approximately 2,200 companies have a majority of shares held by foreigners, with around 1,100 companies suspected of possibly changing shareholders or bank accounts. Initially valued at 65 billion baht, this figure has now risen to 85 billion baht. The Royal Thai Police, along with other departments, will investigate the legitimacy of the remaining 11,000+ companies to determine if they are nominee companies. Legal actions and terminations will follow if necessary.

When questioned about deportation as a punishment, General Peer clarified that land ownership does not justify deportation. Deportation laws are applied only if a crime is committed under specific conditions or if there is a court ruling. He provided an example of a case in Huai Khwang, where five foreigners were fined without deportation, instead having their visas revoked and being asked to leave.