Loading...
HomeHome
Lawyers for Expats Thailand
Nominee Guidance
Nominee structures are illegal in Thailand and expose foreign nationals to serious legal risk. This section explains why they are used, what the law says, and the legitimate alternatives that provide real security.
Legal Warning
Using Thai nominees to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions is a criminal offence under the Land Code and the Foreign Business Act. Both the nominee and the foreign national can face prosecution, asset seizure and deportation. Any structure built on nominees is also legally fragile — the nominee can sell, mortgage or transfer the asset at any time.
Guidance
Understand the Risks & Your Legal Options
Nominee Land Risks
Foreign Land Ownership
→Why foreigners cannot own land in Thailand under their own name, the risks of using Thai nominees to hold title, and the legal structures that provide genuine security.
Nominee RisksLand TitleLegal Alternatives
Nominee Shareholders
Company Formation in Thailand
→How Thai company law restricts foreign ownership, the risks of nominee shareholder arrangements, and how to structure a Thai company with genuine legal protection.
Nominee ShareholdersForeign OwnershipBOI Path
Legal Land Rights for Foreigners
Sap-ing-Sith
→Thailand's registered right of superficies — a legal mechanism that gives foreign nationals long-term, court-enforceable rights over land without nominee arrangements.
Superficies30-Year RightsCourt Enforceable
Speak with Our Team
Get the Right Structure from the Start
If you have been advised to use nominees, or if you are already in a nominee arrangement, speak with our team before the situation becomes a problem.
Lawyers for Expats Thailand. This page does not constitute legal advice. Always obtain independent qualified legal advice before making any decision relating to property ownership, company structures or nominee arrangements in Thailand.