Thailand’s fight against digital fraud is entering a new and more sophisticated phase, with regulators and law enforcement increasing scrutiny on how companies manage financial transactions and digital security. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is now working closely with banks and the Revenue Department to identify corporate “mule accounts” that scammers use to move large sums of money. By cross-checking corporate bank accounts with tax records, authorities can flag businesses that show unusually high transaction volumes but do not appear in the tax system—an indicator that an account may be being used for fraudulent activity.

For legitimate Thai companies, this increased oversight highlights the importance of maintaining clear financial records and ensuring that corporate bank accounts are used transparently and for genuine business purposes. Corporate accounts can process high-value transfers without the same biometric checks required for many personal accounts, making them attractive targets for misuse by criminal networks. While the CCIB continues to receive around 1,000 scam complaints each day, enforcement measures appear to be helping reduce overall financial losses, which have fallen from around 77 million baht per day in 2025 to roughly 60 million baht per day in recent months.

Businesses should also be aware that scam techniques are becoming more complex and increasingly target professionals, entrepreneurs, and online sellers. Investment scams continue to cause the greatest financial damage, but so-called “mission” or “job” scams are rising quickly. In some cases, a scam begins when someone advertises a high-value product online. The fraudster poses as a buyer and persuades the seller to move the transaction to another platform, where they are then asked to complete a series of payments or “tasks” to unlock selling privileges—resulting in financial loss.

Looking ahead, companies operating in Thailand will need to prepare for an evolving digital risk landscape. Artificial intelligence is already being used to generate deepfakes and automate scam operations, while cybersecurity experts are also beginning to plan for longer-term threats such as quantum computing, which could eventually challenge current encryption systems. For Thai businesses, this reinforces the need to adopt stronger cybersecurity practices, review internal financial controls, and ensure that digital systems are built with security in mind. Organizations seeking guidance on compliance, fraud risk, and digital security in Thailand should consider obtaining professional advice to ensure they remain protected in an increasingly complex environment. Contact us at info@sunlegal.co.th for guidance for your company in Thailand.

Starting a Business in Thailand? New Shareholder Verification Rules Explained

Thailand has introduced new procedures that foreign investors should be aware of when setting up or restructuring a business. From January 1, 2026, the Department of Business Development (DBD) has tightened verification requirements for companies that involve foreign directors, foreign signatories, or foreign investors. The new measures are designed to ensure that Thai shareholders involved in these businesses are genuine investors and not acting as nominees on behalf of foreign parties.

Under the updated rules, Thai shareholders in companies connected to foreign nationals must now provide clear evidence showing that their capital contributions are genuinely their own funds. This includes documentation demonstrating the legal source of the money and the shareholder’s financial capacity to make the investment. In practical terms, Thai shareholders may be required to submit bank statements covering the three months prior to the investment, along with transaction records that match the timing and value of the capital contribution.

These changes mainly affect companies where foreign ownership is below 50% but foreigners are involved in management or signing authority. For example, businesses that appoint a foreign director, grant signatory powers to a foreign national, or have Thai shareholders supporting a foreign-led venture may face greater scrutiny from the DBD. Applications for company formation, restructuring, or share transfers may take longer if documentation is incomplete or inconsistent, particularly for start-ups and SMEs.

For entrepreneurs planning to open a Thai limited company, careful planning is now more important than ever. Ensuring that shareholder structures are compliant and that all documentation is properly prepared can help avoid delays and regulatory complications. If you are considering setting up a business in Thailand and want to ensure your company is established fully legally and in line with the latest requirements the team at Sun Legal can help guide you through the process. For professional advice and assistance with forming a Thai limited company, get in touch

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