The DBD said the Biz Registrar system, introduced to replace the former e-Registration platform, relies on secure digital identity verification. Users are responsible for keeping their usernames and passwords strictly confidential. Allowing others access, even for convenience, is considered a breach of the system’s terms and exposes the account owner to serious legal risks.
Director-General Poonpong Naiyanapakorn said certifying a signature in the system is “a legally binding act” equivalent to submitting documents in person. If a user hands over their login details and the person acting on their behalf commits fraud or files false statements, the account owner is liable for resulting damages and can face criminal charges for false certification.
He noted past cases in which representatives claimed a foreign director had signed documents in their presence even though the director had never entered Thailand. “This is a false certification and the courts have imposed prison sentences,” he said.
The department urged all registered representatives and certifiers — particularly lawyers, accountants, and auditors — to safeguard their login details and remain alert to potential misuse. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the DBD Call Center at 1570 or via Line Official @DBD1570.
ILLEGAL FOREIGN BUSINESS STRUCTURES
The warning comes alongside a nationwide crackdown on nominee structures and foreign businesses operating illegally in Thailand.
Under an order issued by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Oct 22, a new high-level committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas has been tasked with tackling illegal foreign trade. The DBD serves as one of the committee’s key secretariats and is responsible for coordinating rapid investigations, enforcing the law, and promoting compliance among both public and private sectors.
Mr Poonpong said investigations into at-risk juristic persons across 34 provinces have already covered six categories: tourism, real estate, e-commerce and logistics, hotels and resorts, agriculture-related businesses, and general construction. A total of 404 cases have been reviewed at the provincial level, with 27 more cases identified in Bangkok.
An additional 763 large foreign-invested entities — 448 in Bangkok and 315 in the provinces — remain under screening. Several cases have already been forwarded to the Economic Crime Suppression Division for action under the Foreign Business Act, while high-risk companies have been sent to the Anti-Money Laundering Office for further review.
Mr Poonpong said the department is pursuing “in-depth, targeted investigations” to protect fair trade and strengthen economic competitiveness. At the same time, the DBD aims to streamline processes to ensure legitimate foreign investors can operate with ease.
STRONGER SAFEGUARDS
The DBD also outlined strengthened security standards for the Biz Registrar system, which officially launched in January. Seven mandatory security checkpoints are now in place, including real-time identity verification, database matching with the Department of Provincial Administration, high-standard electronic signatures, and IP-based transaction tracking.
To increase security further, the department is rolling out two additional measures: real-time notifications to company email addresses when registration applications are created, and mandatory identity verification for all notarizers and registered service providers, who will face strict penalties for certifying false signatures.
The DBD warned that any service provider found notarizing signatures without the director being present, or issuing false certifications, will have their system access permanently revoked.
‘EMPTY COMPANIES’
Separately, the department cautioned the public about online advertisements offering the sale of “empty companies” — firms registered but not operational. These are marketed as clean, liability-free entities but can be used for money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion.
Mr Poonpong said sellers remain legally responsible until all changes in shareholders and directors are properly registered. Buyers risk prosecution if the transaction is used to create nominee structures allowing foreigners to evade restrictions under the Foreign Business Act.
He urged anyone wishing to establish or close a company to use the Biz Registrar system directly, ensuring transparency and preventing criminal misuse.
The DBD encouraged the public to verify company status through its DataWarehouse+ service and report any suspicious activity to hotline 1570 or Line Official @DBD1570.