Thai Authorities Crack Down on Foreign Workers and Suspected Nominee Businesses

The House of Representatives' Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Narcotics (chaired by Mr. Pitakdet Detdecho, MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, Democrat Party) conducted an on-site inspection in the Din Daeng district of Bangkok. The purpose was to investigate the actual situation of foreign nationals' occupations, labor employment, and businesses related to foreigners. The inspection focused on issues requiring investigation, such as potential money laundering and illicit activities involving nominees, or financial transactions that fall under the committee's duties and powers. Relevant agencies, including the Immigration Bureau, Din Daeng District Office, Department of Employment, Department of Business Development, and Din Daeng Police Station, participated in this integrated inspection. Each agency proceeded with fact-finding based on their respective authorities. At a sewing contractor business within the inspected area, foreign workers were found to be engaged in operations. Authorized officials immediately proceeded to verify their identification documents and work permits. As a result, four Cambodian nationals were found to have expired passports and work permits. Additionally, two Myanmar nationals were unable to present their passports and work permits in Thailand. The responsible agencies will proceed according to relevant laws and expand their investigation to employers, businesses, and related individuals to thoroughly examine the facts and determine if there are any acts that may constitute offenses under other laws or if there are connections requiring further investigation. The committee will utilize the information and facts obtained from this on-site inspection in its future deliberations, particularly concerning business models, foreign labor employment, connections between individuals and businesses, and potentially related financial transactions. This will help in formulating observations and recommendations to relevant agencies for enhancing the efficiency of preventing and suppressing money laundering, as well as preventing the avoidance of laws through nominees or business structures.