A Thai senator has proposed allowing foreign investors to own up to 100% of businesses in Thailand when they provide the full amount of investment capital.
The senator argued that Thailand’s current foreign-ownership restrictions can encourage some investors to use Thai nominee shareholders—individuals who appear as legal owners on company documents but may not actually invest in or control the business. Such arrangements can make it more difficult for authorities to identify the true owners, monitor financial activity, and prevent corruption or other illegal practices.
Under the proposed approach, a foreign investor’s ownership percentage would reflect the actual proportion of capital contributed to the company. For example, an investor providing 70% of the total capital could legally hold 70% of the shares, while an investor funding the entire business could own 100%.
Supporters of the idea believe this would bring greater transparency to Thailand’s investment system by ensuring that company records accurately show who invested the money and who controls the business. The senator said the reform could help transform so-called “grey capital” into properly registered, regulated, and taxable investment from the beginning.
She also suggested that Thailand should introduce clear minimum-investment requirements for foreigners seeking long-term residency rights. Investors who meet higher investment thresholds and contribute significantly to the Thai economy could potentially qualify for permanent residency or, in certain cases, a pathway toward Thai citizenship.
The proposal comes as Thai authorities intensify their crackdown on suspected nominee companies, illegal foreign-controlled businesses, and investment structures believed to be operating outside the country’s foreign-business regulations.
However, the proposal is likely to generate debate. While greater foreign ownership could attract more international capital, create jobs, and reduce the need for nominee structures, critics may raise concerns about foreign control of strategic industries, property, local businesses, and national economic interests.
💬 Would allowing 100% foreign ownership make Thailand’s investment system more transparent—or could it create new economic and national-security risks?
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