Expats with Illegal Firms Now Targeted in Southern Thailand Crackdown
Introduction to the Crackdown
The Provincial Police Region (PPR) 8 has launched a significant crackdown targeting foreign nationals involved in illegal nominee businesses across seven provinces in southern Thailand. These businesses, which are believed to be causing damages exceeding one billion baht, particularly in Phuket, are now under intense scrutiny.
Purpose and Scope of the Operation
Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomjit, commissioner of PPR 8, announced the operation on Wednesday, emphasizing its objective to combat foreign networks that use Thai nominees to operate businesses. This crackdown is in line with government policies aimed at protecting local jobs and addressing foreigners working in the country without proper permits.
Recent Raids and Arrests
In a coordinated effort, police raided 29 locations across seven provinces: Chumphon, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Phuket. The raids resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects, including two Chinese nationals who were found to be running businesses through nominee arrangements. These businesses included restaurants, international schools, hotels, car rental services, condominiums, housing estates, and luxury villas, with a combined investment value of over one billion baht.
Authorities also seized 4.1 million baht in cash during the operation and launched further investigations into accounting firms suspected of facilitating the nominee businesses for the Chinese nationals.
Ongoing Efforts in Phuket and Other Areas
Pol Lt Gen Surapong highlighted that Phuket, the largest province under PPR 8’s jurisdiction, had seen considerable success in the operation. In addition to the arrests, the PPR 8, Immigration Police, Tourist Police, and local officials are continuing to pursue five more nominee cases in Phuket, involving foreign nationals from Russia, Iran, Australia, and China.
Additionally, seven foreigners were arrested for working without permits, including one Australian and six Myanmar nationals. The operation is ongoing, with authorities expanding their efforts to address these illegal activities.
Seizures and Further Investigations
In Nakhon Si Thammarat, police intercepted a major illegal e-cigarette operation, arresting a Thai suspect and seizing 50,000 e-cigarettes, along with a Hino truck. This seizure aligns with the government’s policy to curb the widespread use of e-cigarettes among youth.
In Surat Thani, police raided seven locations, arresting six suspects involved in nominee businesses. Authorities are now expanding their investigations after discovering that around 100 companies in Surat Thani may be operating illegally through nominee arrangements.
Conclusion
The crackdown on illegal nominee businesses involving foreign nationals in southern Thailand remains ongoing. Authorities are focused on dismantling these illegal networks, and further investigations are expected to uncover more unlawful operations. The success of the operation aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to protect local businesses and ensure that foreign nationals comply with Thai laws.
