BANGKOK — Thailand is facing renewed political pressure after veteran activist and media figure Sondhi Limthongkul launched a new campaign challenging the government’s handling of foreign businesses and alleged use of Thai nominees.

The campaign, known as “Take Back Our Thailand,” marks Sondhi’s return to the center of Thailand’s political debate and could create another challenge for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration. Thai media reported that Sondhi planned a rally and a protest submission at the Israeli embassy in Bangkok on September 7.

Campaign Targets Foreign Business Practices

Sondhi’s latest political initiative focuses on allegations that some foreign-controlled businesses operate through Thai nominees to get around restrictions on foreign ownership.

He has said the government needs to take stronger action against arrangements that allow foreigners to control businesses that are legally restricted to Thai nationals.

The campaign places the issue of foreign commercial activity at the center of a wider political argument over national economic interests and enforcement of business regulations.

Pressure Builds on Prime Minister Anutin

The development comes at a sensitive time for Prime Minister Anutin’s government.

Political commentators have identified several issues that could increase pressure on the administration, including Sondhi’s planned street campaign and a legal case involving alleged Senate collusion. A decision in that case is expected on September 14, according to Thai media reports.

Anutin has publicly played down concerns about the political pressure, but the combination of street activism, legal proceedings and other controversies could make the coming weeks increasingly difficult for his government.

Sondhi Returns to Street Politics

Sondhi is a familiar figure in Thailand’s protest politics.

He previously became one of the country’s most prominent political activists through the People’s Alliance for Democracy, commonly known as the Yellow Shirts. His return to organized political campaigning is therefore attracting attention beyond the immediate dispute over foreign businesses.

The new campaign could provide a platform for opponents of the government to mobilize supporters around economic nationalism and concerns over foreign influence.

Foreign Business Issue Gains Political Importance

Thailand has long maintained restrictions on foreign ownership in several sectors. The enforcement of those rules has periodically become a politically sensitive issue, particularly when allegations emerge that nominee arrangements are being used to circumvent the law.

Sondhi’s campaign seeks to turn the issue into a broader question of who should control businesses and economic opportunities inside Thailand.

His supporters argue that stronger enforcement is necessary to protect Thai entrepreneurs and prevent foreign interests from exploiting legal loopholes.

Government Faces Multiple Challenges

The political situation is developing alongside other issues confronting the Anutin administration.

Thai media reports say the government is also dealing with scrutiny connected to Senate-related allegations and a separate controversy involving an examination process. These developments have added to questions about the stability and political resilience of the administration.

Whether these controversies develop into a larger political crisis will depend partly on the government’s response and the ability of opposition groups and activists to sustain public attention.

Protest Could Expand Beyond Business Issues

Although the immediate focus is foreign business ownership, Sondhi’s political campaigns have historically involved broader questions about national policy and government accountability.

The “Take Back Our Thailand” campaign could therefore evolve into a wider movement if additional groups join it or if the government responds with measures that generate further opposition.

The planned demonstrations will also provide an early indication of how much public support Sondhi can mobilize in Thailand’s current political environment.

Thailand Watches for Further Escalation

For the Anutin government, the latest campaign presents a challenge at a politically sensitive moment.

A sustained protest movement could increase pressure on officials to strengthen investigations into alleged nominee structures and demonstrate that foreign-business regulations are being enforced consistently.

At the same time, authorities will need to manage demonstrations carefully to prevent political disagreements from escalating into broader instability.

Thailand’s political landscape remains fluid, and the coming days could determine whether Sondhi’s new campaign remains a limited protest initiative or develops into a larger national political movement.