(Photo: DBD)Authorities have named six firms suspected of running foreign-controlled coconut businesses through Thai nominees, while preparing legal amendments to close regulatory loopholes. The firms identified were Easy Coconut Co, Longman Coconut Co, Fly Coconut Co, You Xian Yuan (Thailand) Co, Thai Choengta Trading Co and He Taisheng International Co.Investigators also found evidence implicating 17 individuals, including 10 Thai nationals and seven foreigners believed to be involved in the operations. Instead, foreign investors were found to control core business operations, including purchasing decisions, price-setting and logistics management. He said the investors set coconut purchase prices below normal market rates while transferring profits to overseas investors. Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman signalled plans to push for legal amendments to better address nominee arrangements and prevent foreign investors from dominating agricultural businesses.

Source: Bangkok Post March 12, 2026 07:57 UTC