Since 1 January, 2026, the Department of Business Development (DBD) has enforced a series of administrative orders that systematically dismantle the era of passive nominee shareholding[reference:0]. This shift from form-based to substance-based verification fundamentally alters how companies are registered, amended, … Read More
Foreign Ownership
A Critical Examination of Freehold and Leasehold Condominium Ownership for Foreign Nationals
The intersection of foreign property ownership and succession rights in Thailand presents a complex legal landscape. For the foreign investor or retiree seeking to acquire a condominium in the Kingdom, the distinction between freehold and leasehold tenure is not merely … Read More
Nominee Shareholding in Thai Litigation:How Courts Identify and Look Beyond Formal Ownership
In many Thai corporate disputes, the share register is not the end of the inquiry; it is the beginning. While company records formally identify shareholders, Thai courts do not consider these records conclusive when surrounding evidence suggests a different operational … 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
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
Right over Leased Asset (ROLA): A Legal Alternative to Nominee Property Structures in Thailand
Foreign investors interested in Thai real estate face strict restrictions on direct land ownership under the Land Code Act. While certain indirect arrangements have historically been considered, authorities have increased enforcement against non-compliant structures, emphasizing the importance of lawful options. … Read More