By Phuket News Property Editorial Team · January 24, 2026
Recent statements from a national anti-corruption agency office have highlighted a broader scrutiny of multiple construction and development projects in Phuket. While details about individual projects remain part of ongoing inquiries, the emphasis from authorities is on compliance with regulations, permitting processes, and transparent ownership structures.
This heightened focus on construction and development compliance reflects a wider regulatory trend that extends beyond any single project or company. It illustrates how land ownership structures and corporate arrangements are being examined more closely in the eyes of government agencies responsible for maintaining legal and economic integrity across Thailand’s property and development sectors.
What the scrutiny means for ownership structures
In recent years, certain ownership arrangements have drawn attention from regulatory and law enforcement bodies. These include scenarios where registered shareholders or company structures may not clearly reflect the true beneficial owners. Under Thai law, ownership of land and other restricted assets must adhere to specific shareholding percentages and transparency requirements, and authorities have reiterated that structures designed to conceal actual ownership are subject to review.
While the exact number of properties or companies involved in current reviews is part of ongoing processes, officials have noted that investigations span multiple complaint categories, including procurement compliance, conduct issues, and land-related concerns.
Why transparency matters
Thailand’s property and corporate regulations aim to protect both buyers and the integrity of the market. When ownership structures are complex or lack clear documentation of beneficial ownership, regulatory bodies have the authority to investigate and ensure the law has been upheld.
Foreign ownership of land is governed by strict legal frameworks, and while foreigners can own condominiums freehold up to permitted limits, direct land ownership is restricted. Using transparent, legally recognised structures is essential to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal complications.
Authorities increasingly use enhanced review procedures to verify that company registrations, shareholdings, and land ownership records reflect true ownership and comply with the Land Code and related statutes.
Implications for buyers and investors
For potential buyers and investors, the evolution in enforcement underscores the importance of thorough due diligence. This means ensuring that titles, shareholder records, and company structures are clear and legally compliant before any investment decision is made.
Professionals in the property market are advising that increasing regulatory scrutiny is not necessarily a sign of market weakness, but rather a shift toward greater transparency and legal certainty. As enforcement becomes more consistent, well-structured and compliant investments are likely to benefit from increased confidence in the long term.
A changing landscape of compliance and confidence
Property markets thrive on clarity, legal certainty, and enforceable rights. As enforcement agencies refine their review processes, both domestic and foreign participants in Phuket’s property market are paying closer attention to compliance, documentation, and legal structures.
This shift toward heightened scrutiny can be seen as part of a broader effort to align Thailand’s property and corporate sectors with international standards of transparency and governance. For the island’s property market, this trend may strengthen investor confidence over time by reducing ambiguity and reinforcing the rule of law for all participants.
