DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER-cum-Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun today (Sep. 11) said allegations by former leader of People’s Alliance for Democracy, aka “Yellow Shirts”, Sondhi Limthongkul of opening the door too wide for foreign entities, likening it to selling off economic sovereignty, sprang from regulatory adjustment undertaken to halt overlap of procedures and help attract high-quality investment, Naewna newspaper said.
Amidst intense competition to attract investment, Thailand must maintain regulations that protect national interests while simultaneously enabling the business sector to operate efficiently. Consequently, the ministry is reviewing rules governing foreign business operations across eight specialised service sectors, as well as its own licensing role where it overlaps with specific regulatory agencies, she explained.
This move aims at enhancing government agility and foster an environment conducive to high-quality investment. Notably, these businesses remain subject to the laws and oversight of the agencies directly responsible for them.
Supajee explained that key principle behind this regulatory adjustment is to streamline licensing procedures for business activities that are already governed by specific laws and regulatory bodies, as well as for services provided exclusively within corporate groups or those with clearly defined service scopes — even if this entails reducing ministry’s direct licensing role in certain areas.
However, in reducing redundancy among government agencies by limiting the ministry’s licensing role regarding business activities the relevant standards, conditions, and inspection mechanisms remain in place. Instead, the agencies possessing direct authority and expertise will handle statutory oversight. This shift will lower business costs and reduce the time required for operations, enhance government efficiency, and strengthen Thailand’s capacity to attract high-quality investment.
These regulatory adjustments would prevent government agencies from repeatedly reviewing the same matters, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively toward inspecting high-risk businesses. Meanwhile, the business sector will benefit from reduced time and procedural costs, enabling economic activities to commence more quickly. This also boosts Thailand’s ability to attract high-quality investment, technology, and foreign expertise, ultimately fostering job creation, technology transfer, and opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs within the supply chain.
Supajee noted that the regulatory adjustment does not represent a general relaxation of regulations governing foreign business operations.
At the same time the ministry is simultaneously implementing stricter measures against businesses at risk of using Thai nationals as “nominees” (proxies). These measures aim to prevent the exploitation of legal loopholes to conduct business and compete unfairly with Thai entrepreneurs.
As of Aug.1 this year the Department of Business Development started to intensify inspections of businesses involving foreign investment or foreign authorised signatories. Applicants falling into high-risk categories are required to provide evidence and explain the source of their investment funds prior to registration.
Data from August 2026 revealed that 163 companies identified as high-risk submitted registration applications — a decrease of 81.77% from the 894 applications recorded during the same period the previous year — reflecting the impact of enhanced upstream screening measures.
“This bold shift represents more than just an amendment to ministerial regulations; it signifies a fundamental change in the government’s mindset — moving away from gauging strength based on the number of procedural steps and licensing powers, and toward a regulatory approach that is transparent, efficient, and targeted, ultimately boosting Thailand’s long-term competitiveness,” Suphajee said.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Commerce Minister Supajee Suthumpun. Photo – Naewna
Insert: Former leader of People’s Alliance for Democracy Sondhi Limthongkul launching his new political movement in front of the Israeli embassy yesterday (Sep. 10). Photo – Naewna
Also read:
Sarcasm launched on House floor over hush-hush ties between election commissioners. Newin
Several among 22 Bhumjaithai figures might be sued in Supreme Court over senatorial rigging plot
Election Commissioners might be sued in Constitutional Court over senatorial rigging conspiracy
A few more Bhumjaithai ministers emerge alongside Anutin, Newin over senatorial rigging plot
Sondhi kicks off multi-provincial tour with Israeli embassy being first stop
Rewat sets up party of his own to combat graft in govt, drug dealers
Pheu Thai MPs tipped to abstain from voting for PM after censure debate
25 years later, WoT has the “War on Terror” achieved?
Wife of Frenchman ordered deported submits appeal
Hong Kong man dies in fall from hotel, likely stressed after being ripped off
