BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s anti-money laundering authority significantly expanded its definition of politically exposed persons, tightening financial oversight on key power holders.
New regulation published, set to take effect
The “Royal Gazette” published the new regulation on 5 December 2025, with the measure due to enter into force in 60 days. The expanded list covered not only the top levels of government and parliament, but also senior judges, prosecutors, police and military generals, as well as executives of state-owned enterprises.
Broad range of public offices covered
Mayors, provincial governors and district chiefs were now also included, making the definition broad and leaving hardly any formal power position outside its scope. On the executive side, the rules applied to the prime minister, cabinet ministers, party leaders and party executive boards, while on the legislative side they covered parliamentary speakers, all members of parliament and all senators.
Top security and media figures added
Newly added to the list were supreme court judges, the attorney general, the national police chief, the army commander and the governor of Bangkok. The director-general of Thai PBS was also covered, as were foreign heads of state who held bank accounts in Thailand under the new rules.
Stronger controls to combat corruption and money laundering
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) justified the move as part of government policy to combat corruption and money laundering, describing it as an attempt to stop opaque financial flows at the top. Banks and other financial institutions were required to apply enhanced due diligence when dealing with politically exposed persons, and the origin of funds now had to be fully documented.
Alignment with international standards
According to the agency, the step was intended to follow international standards and strengthen confidence in Thailand’s financial system. The rules also applied to former office holders who had left their positions less than a year earlier, keeping them under scrutiny during that period. Even after that year elapsed, the PEP status could be maintained if a person continued to exert influence or maintained close ties to those in power.
End of monitoring tied to risk assessment
Monitoring would only end once banks or experts determined that there was no longer any money laundering risk. The new regulation granted the Amlo secretary-general considerable discretion in interpreting how the rules should be applied. In cases of uncertainty, the secretary-general would decide on a case-by-case basis.
Concerns over political leeway
This arrangement created legal clarity but also potential political leeway, with critics likely to see the rules as a tool for political influence. The agency, however, stressed that its sole focus was compliance with international financial standards and the fight against illegal financial flows. No direct public reactions were cited in the regulation text.
Constitutional reform moving in parallel
In parallel with the financial transparency drive, the political agenda continued with a planned constitutional amendment. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was aiming for the timely completion of the reform process, with the second reading in parliament scheduled for the following Wednesday.
House dissolution expected in early 2026
After the third and final reading, the House of Representatives was expected to be dissolved in January 2026. Thailand was therefore heading into politically and financially significant months, with the expanded PEP list described as a key building block in that process.