The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has successfully served a summons on People’s Party (PP) MP for Phuket Somchart Techathavorncharoen, ordering him to give a statement next Monday in connection with an investigation into suspected nominee arrangements involving property companies in Phuket.
Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat said on Wednesday the DSI had initially been unable to deliver its first summons. A second summons was issued on Monday, and postal authorities later confirmed it had reached Mr Somchart. Some documents were also sent to local police for delivery.
The investigation concerns evidence suggesting Mr Somchart was involved as a director and shareholder in private companies holding land, property and condominium units in Phuket alongside foreign nationals.
Investigators are examining more than 30 companies suspected of having little or no genuine business activity while holding land or condominium units linked to foreigners. One company in which Mr Somchart reportedly held a 99.99% stake was said to own property worth more than 100 million baht despite having no apparent business operations. Mr Somchart has denied involvement in nominee activities and pledged to cooperate fully with investigators.