Thai government defends foreign land ownership plan

13 Sept 06:28 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai government defends its plan allowing limited foreign land ownership, countering allegations of "selling off" the country by emphasizing benefits for Thai people.
The policy targets four specific groups of long-term resident foreigners, enabling them to own up to 0.16 hectares of land exclusively for residential purposes.
Eligibility criteria are stringent, requiring substantial assets, high annual income, significant investment in Thailand, or specialized professional qualifications.
Strict conditions, including insurance coverage of at least US$50,000, ensure only highly qualified foreigners meeting all requirements can acquire land.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.