Hua Hin Today Podcast

Is your home in Thailand held in a company name? Thailand's nominee shareholder crackdown is raising difficult questions for foreign property owners: why are company structures under investigation, who could be liable, and what options are being discussed for putting things right?In this episode of the Hua Hin Today podcast, we sit down with Janjira Sumanus of Hua Hin Accounting & MBMG Group and Jatupon Cherbangkaew of ACTA Law Firm. Together, they unpack the legal and accounting issues behind nominee companies, land ownership and the growing concern among expats in Hua Hin and across Thailand.We discuss:• What a nominee shareholder is, and why paperwork alone may not tell the full story.• How the DBD, Land Office and police feature in the investigations.• The Hua Hin enforcement case and questions about responsibility for owners, nominees and advisers.• Potential penalties, property sales and the company liquidation process.• Restructuring, genuine buyers and leaseback arrangements — and why replacing one nominee with another does not resolve the underlying problem.• Calls for a grace period and support for affected residents.• The US–Thailand Treaty of Amity, BOI and the difference between a real business and a home held for personal use.As the guests emphasise, this conversation provides general information, not legal advice. Individual circumstances differ: seek advice from a qualified lawyer and accountant before making decisions about your property or company.Find out more about our guests' firms:► MBMG Group: https://mbmg-group.com/► ACTA Law Firm: https://actalawfirm.com/🍍 Podcast Filmed at Ananas Video Studio https://ananas.video/

Thai banks have declared war on scammers and gray-market networks, but regular expats and business owners are getting caught in the crossfire. Why are foreigners suddenly finding their bank accounts frozen in Thailand? Can you open an account on the new DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)? And what on earth is a UBO check that is causing business account approvals to take over a month?In this episode of the Hua Hin Today podcast, we are joined once again by Khun Janjira Sumanas, the CEO of MBMG Group. We discuss the Bank of Thailand's strict new regulations, how long-term visas (like the LTR) make banking seamless, and why "Yellow Books" can be essential and even the "Pink ID cards" are suddenly becoming useful tools for expats.

In the latest episode of the Hua Hin Today podcast, we sit down with Matthew Garnet, a British expat who moved to Hua Hin just a year ago and has already gone all in.From luxury property and a premium nail bar to his new restaurant, Matt’s Place, located in front of the Hilton, Matt talks openly about building a life and business in Hua Hin, and why his motto is simple: go big or go home.In this episode, we discuss:🏡 The reality of buying property in Hua Hin⚠️ Scams and red flags expats should watch out for⚖️ Why using a proper corporate lawyer is essential🍷 The idea behind Matt’s Place and its elevated dining concept🥗 Sourcing organic ingredients from local farms⛳ Golf societies, land investment and the coming high-speed rail link🤝And much more!It is a wide-ranging and honest conversation about expat life, business, property and opportunity in Hua Hin.

Confused about Thailand’s new tax rules on foreign income? Heard horror stories about huge tax bills?You’re not alone.Over the past two years, expat groups, forums and social media have been flooded with talk about Thailand’s updated approach to taxing foreign-sourced income. Along the way there has been a lot of noise, mixed messages and in some cases outright scaremongering.In this episode of the Hua Hin Today Podcast, we aim to cut through all of that.Jonathan sits down with Khun Janjira Sumanus, CEO of MBMG Group, to explain in a clear and relatable way what has actually changed, what hasn’t, and what the rules really mean in practice for expats living in Thailand.No jargon. No speculation. No panic headlines. Just straightforward information.In this episode we cover:• The 180-day rule and Thai tax residency• What counts as taxable foreign-sourced income• How remittances into Thailand are treated• How Double Taxation Agreements help prevent paying tax twice• Why Thai banks may now ask for your Tax ID• Why, with some basic planning, most expats are unlikely to face a large surprise tax billIf you live in Thailand, spend part of the year here, or are thinking about relocating, this is an essential conversation to understand.For more information about MBMG Group, visit: https://mbmg-group.com/🔔 Subscribe for more essential updates for expats living in Thailand!Podcast Filmed at Ananas Video Studio https://ananas.video/ ► Our Newsletter https://huahintoday.com/subscribe/

If you're one of the many foreigners in Thailand who bought property in a company name, using nominee shareholders, you need to listen to this. Thailand’s nominee crackdown is intensifying — and foreign property owners in Hua Hin and across the country are now under closer scrutiny.In this episode of the Hua Hin Today Podcast, we speak with Janjira Sumanus, CEO of MBMG Group, about what the nationwide investigation into nominee companies means in practical terms for foreigners who bought land or villas “in a company name”.For years, setting up a Thai-registered company with Thai shareholders was widely seen as a secure way for foreigners to control property. That assumption is now being challenged. Authorities are conducting systematic reviews under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act and Land Code, examining who provided the capital, who controls the company, and whether Thai shareholders are genuine investors or nominees.Prachuap Khiri Khan is among the provinces under heightened review. Thousands of property-linked companies are being examined, and some foreign residents have already received formal letters from the Department of Business Development requesting documentation.In this episode, we discuss:• What the nominee company crackdown actually involves• Why enforcement has shifted to a multi-agency nationwide review• What documents authorities are requesting• Potential penalties, including fines, company dissolution and deportation• Legal alternatives such as leasehold and usufruct arrangements• What foreign homeowners in Hua Hin should do nowIf you own land in Thailand through a company structure — or are considering buying property in a company name — this is essential listening.

In this episode of the Hua Hin Today podcast, we talk with George Anderssen, the founder of ThaiVisa.com — the most influential English-language website for expats in Thailand.George shares the full origin story of ThaiVisa, from launching a single webpage in 2002 to building a massive online forum and news platform used by millions of foreigners.We discuss:• Why George started ThaiVisa in the early internet days• How it grew into the #1 expat resource in Thailand• Building a trusted community with volunteer moderators• The site’s role during the 2004 tsunami and major political events• Early monetization via Google AdSense• The rebranding to ASEAN Now• How social media changed everything for expat platforms• Lessons learned from managing forums, trolls, and viral news• Behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of the web in ThailandA must-listen for anyone who’s lived in Thailand or is curious about the digital expat scene.👍 Like, share & subscribe for more interviews and local insights!🎙 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.🍍 Podcast Recorded at Ananas Video Studio https://ananas.video/

In this episode of the Hua Hin Today podcast, we meet Tim Critchley, who shares a raw and revealing story of what it’s really like to move your family halfway across the world — twice.Tim first arrived in Thailand as a 28-year-old backpacker and ended up spending nearly a decade living, working, and raising a family here. But when COVID hit, everything changed. He and his Thai wife made the difficult decision to relocate to rural Devon, UK, where they took over a 17th-century pub, hoping to rebuild a life from scratch.But the UK wasn’t what they expected... Listen to the full story now.

In this episode of the Hua Hin Today podcast, we sit down with Guido Campigato, F&B Director at Monsoon Valley Vineyard — a man with a rich background in restaurants, motorsport, hospitality, and now, Thai wine culture in Hua Hin.What we cover in this episode: • How Guido left a small Italian mountain town at 16 and built his career in London’s restaurant scene • His experience working with celebrities, footballers, and Formula 1 teams • Transitioning from fine dining to F1 hospitality, and eventually to vineyard life in Thailand • Why he chose Hua Hin and what makes Monsoon Valley Vineyard unique • Thai-made wines and Monsoon Valley’s award-winning Shiraz and Rosé • Upcoming events at the vineyard, including jazz nights, harvest festivals, and family-friendly runs • Guido’s reflections on chasing passions, changing careers, and building a meaningful life abroadIf you’re into wine, travel, or inspiring expat stories — this one’s for you.🍍 Podcast Filmed at Ananas Video Studio https://ananas.video/__________Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video, hit that Subscribe button and ring the bell 🔔 so you won’t miss our next update.► Visit us online: https://huahintoday.com/► Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huahintodaynews► Our Newsletter https://huahintoday.com/subscribe/Stay in the loop for news, lifestyle, travel and culture updates from Hua Hin and the surrounding region. Leave a comment below with your thoughts — we’d love to hear from you!

Wendy Herbert: The Female Expat: Why we're all a little brokenIn this episode of the Hua Hin Today Podcast, we talk with Wendy Herbert, creator of the Female Expat YouTube channel The Female Expat — a new and growing platform sharing stories and experiences for women (and occasionally men) who have made Asia their home.With over three decades of living and working across Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand, Wendy opens up about her journey — from marriage, motherhood, and career shifts to the ups and downs of starting over in new countries.She shares her honest take on expat life: the frustrations, the freedom, and the unexpected moments that make it all worthwhile.Whether you’re already living abroad, considering a move, or simply curious about expat life in Thailand or Asia, this conversation offers insight, humour, and inspiration from someone who’s truly lived it.👉 The Female Expat: https://www.youtube.com/@wagherbert🍍 Podcast Filmed at Ananas Video Studio https://ananas.video/

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Andy Dyett, the Hua Hin Property Expert.Andy has lived and worked in Hua Hin, Thailand for over 21 years. He shares his incredible, unconventional journey: from arriving unexpectedly for a family funeral to getting paid to live in a 60 million baht beachfront mansion, which launched his successful real estate career.We talk about how Hua Hin has changed over two decades, transforming from a sleepy fishing village into a modern destination. Andy offers unique insights into:- The shift from 100% retirees to pre-retirees and remote workers.- Why Hua Hin is a "living city" rather than a tourist trap.- The changes in the Hua Hin property market and Thailand real estate.- The realities of expat life in Thailand – the challenges, the luxury, and the lifestyle you can create.__________The Hua Hin Today PodcastYour new way to hear stories from Hua Hin’s expat and local community.If you’re interested in Hua Hin or simply curious about expat life in Thailand, give it a listen — you’ll hear first-hand stories, insights, and inspiration from those who know it best.🎙️ New episodes released on the 1st and 15th of every month.📍 Listen on YouTube, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video, hit that Subscribe button and ring the bell 🔔 so you won’t miss our next update.► Visit us online: https://huahintoday.com/► Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huahintodaynews► Our Newsletter https://huahintoday.com/subscribe/Stay in the loop for news, lifestyle, travel and culture updates from Hua Hin and the surrounding region. Leave a comment below with your thoughts — we’d love to hear from you!