Thai Public Views Illegal Foreign Business as Major Threat to Nation - NIDA Poll

A recent survey by NIDA Poll, a prominent Thai public opinion research institute, reveals that the majority of the Thai public perceives illegal activities by foreigners residing in Thailand as a significant threat to the nation. The survey, conducted from July 13-15, 2024, involved 1,310 Thai citizens aged 18 and above from across the country. It explored public opinion on the dangers posed by various illegal actions undertaken by foreign nationals living in Thailand. The most concerning issue identified was "investing in illegal businesses or opening businesses for grey money laundering," with 94.05% of respondents rating it as "very dangerous." This was followed by "having Thai nationals hold land under nominee ownership," cited as "very dangerous" by 82.14%, and "using Thai nationals as proxies for fathering foreign children to obtain Thai nationality," deemed "very dangerous" by 81.76%. "Zero-dollar businesses" (where foreign investors monopolize and control all transactions within their own national networks, depriving locals of income) were also viewed as a major threat by 81.29% of respondents. Furthermore, 81.21% considered "hiring Thai nominees to establish businesses or hold majority shares in Thai companies" as "very dangerous," indicating concerns over de facto foreign control. Additionally, 77.48% of respondents expressed concern about "a large number of foreigners settling in a particular area, leading to its near-complete transformation into a foreign community or town." Other perceived threats included "foreigners working in jobs inconsistent with their work permits" (72.98%) and "foreigners engaging in professions reserved for Thai nationals, such as driving vehicles or acting as tour guides" (65.42%). When asked about illegal activities they had personally witnessed, respondents most frequently cited "investing in illegal businesses or laundering grey money" (26.11%), followed by "hiring Thai nominees to establish businesses or hold majority shares" (25.88%), and "hiring Thai nominees for land ownership" (20.92%). Key factors contributing to these illegal foreign activities were identified as "corruption and misconduct by relevant officials" (67.10%), "lenient penalties under the law" (59.31%), and "loopholes in government policies or laws" (52.21%). "Corruption and misconduct by politicians" (48.70%) and "self-interest of some Thai individuals" (48.70%) were also cited as contributing causes. This survey underscores a strong sense of vigilance within Thai society regarding the opacity of foreign economic activities, their impact on the domestic economy, and potential distortions to the social fabric.