'Napinthorn' confirms that the government will proceed with taking legal action against Thais who are nominees for foreign tourism businesses, along with continuing FTA negotiations, hoping that the EU FTA will be completed next year. Mr. Napintorn Srisanpang, Deputy Minister of Commerce, explained the government's policy and addressed the concerns of MPs regarding foreign tourism businesses using Thais as nominees. He said that the Ministry of Commerce places importance on solving these problems. The Ministry has the Foreign Business Act of 1909, in which the Ministry of Commerce has the authority to summon Thais who hold shares to inquire about their financial investments and to inquire about their behavior and ties with foreigners. Even if those individuals are able to provide clarification, even if those statements are false, the evidence to prosecute the Thais who are nominees will still be insufficient. The investigation must go into depth, including examining the financial trail and various accounts. Mr. Napinthon said that a more in-depth investigation would require the powers of the Criminal Procedure Code, which are exercised by the police, the Department of Special Investigation, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, and the Immigration Bureau, to resolve the problem of foreign tourism businesses using Thais as nominees, focusing on target groups in core businesses, namely tourism, real estate, hotels, resorts, and transportation businesses in major tourist provinces such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chonburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Surat Thani. He asked for confidence that the Ministry of Commerce prioritizes resolving the problem and will continue to take serious and strict action against nominees. Mr. Napinthon also explained the progress of the FTA negotiations, saying that the Department of International Trade Negotiations places importance on making trade negotiation agreements. They are currently negotiating each agreement with the EU, which is nearing a conclusion. If possible, they will con clude next year for the benefit of Thailand's trade. They will also accelerate negotiations with South Korea and Bhutan to reach a conclusion this year or at the latest next year. Source: Thai News Agency