Author Archives: Dr. Paul Crosio

Directors’ Liability in Corporate Insolvency: A Primer for Foreign and Thai Directors

In Thailand, the intersection of corporate insolvency and director liability raises critical questions for company leaders. While the law does not impose a duty on directors to commence formal insolvency proceedings, it does create potential liabilities for failing to address … Read More

The Koh Samui Building Permit Fraud Scandal: Legal Implications and Remedial Pathways for Affected Property Owners

Introduction In March 2026, authorities in Surat Thani province uncovered a sophisticated criminal operation involving the forgery of construction permits issued by Koh Samui Municipality, sending shockwaves through Thailand’s luxury real estate market and raising profound legal questions for property … Read More

Thailand’s Updated Bankruptcy Law: Prepackaged Bankruptcy Options

Thailand’s proposed pre-packaged bankruptcy reforms mark a major evolution in its insolvency regime. By allowing debtor–creditor agreements before court filing, the new framework aims to streamline rehabilitation, reduce timelines, and align Thailand with international restructuring practices. … Read More

Thailand Intensifies Crackdown on Nominee Shareholders

A nominee shareholder arrangement occurs when a Thai national holds shares in a company on behalf of a foreigner in order to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions under the Foreign Business Act. Such arrangements are illegal under Sections 36 and 37 of the Act and can result in criminal penalties for both the Thai nominee and the foreign beneficiary. … Read More

Thailand Proposes Landmark Reforms to Foreign Business Act to Attract Investment

Thailand is considering significant reforms to the Foreign Business Act that could remove licensing requirements for several service industries. The proposed changes may make it easier for foreign investors to operate software development, treasury centre and intra-group management businesses in Thailand without obtaining a Foreign Business License. … Read More

The End of the Filing Formality: Thailand’s New Front in Registration Scrutiny – Key Changes for Foreign Investors in 2026

For many years, the incorporation of Thai companies was regarded primarily as a routine compliance exercise. While Thai law has long prohibited nominee arrangements under the Foreign Business Act (FBA) and related legislation, substantive scrutiny of ownership structures often occurred … Read More

Summary of New Ministerial Regulation on Wills: A must-read for expatriates in Thailand

1.            Overview On 22 January 2026, the Ministry of Interior published a new Ministerial Regulation replacing the 1960 rules governing Public Wills and related inheritance declarations. The regulation took effect on 24 March 2026 (60 days after publication). This modernisation … Read More

A Practical Guide to Joint Ventures in Thailand: Key Legal Considerations for Foreign Investors

Thailand’s strategic location and economic incentives make it an attractive destination for foreign investment. However, navigating its regulatory landscape requires careful planning, particularly when establishing a joint venture (JV), commonly referred to as a “Thai Majority Company”. This guide synthesises … Read More

Thailand’s Evolving Anti-Bribery Landscape

Thailand is an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia, a vital hub for trade, investment, and regional connectivity. However, Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Thailand 108th out of 180 countries, underscoring that bribery remains a significant challenge for enterprises … Read More

THAILAND’S CANNABIS CROSSROADS: A RETURN TO MEDICAL RIGOUR RESHAPES A BUDDING INDUSTRY

Thailand’s experiment with cannabis liberalisation is undergoing a profound and contentious recalibration. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is advancing a new draft ministerial regulation designed to impose stringent oversight on the sector, a decisive pivot away from the largely … Read More