Phonpeerap: Authorities continue their crackdown on nominee-based illicit funding, identifying 14,000 suspicious companies and accelerating investigations into their funding sources. He points out that the temporary closure of a popular pub in the Saphan Kwai area, ordered by Bangkok authorities, likely involves illegal activities beyond mere hygiene concerns.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Interior Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Peerapong Suwannachawi addressed the crackdown on nominee businesses in the Huai Khwang area of Bangkok, stating that they already have information on which areas in Bangkok or other provinces are suspected of having nominee companies. The Department of Provincial Administration, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, will gather data to confirm which companies are nominees, particularly regarding their business licenses. He added that there are many more locations in Bangkok, as well as provinces in the central and northern regions, where action is planned.
When pressed on the extent of information the Ministry of Interior has on companies that may be nominees, Mr. Polpeer stated that there are 2,314 companies nationwide holding over 5,800 plots of land worth 65 billion baht. He added that the Department of Land will be invited for discussions next week, and there are another 14,000 companies suspected of being nominees, which are currently under further investigation. When asked about the actions to be taken if government officials are involved, Mr. Polpeer did not provide a direct answer.
General Peer said he was looking into who the relevant officials were, emphasizing that he would coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce to investigate the transfer of shares in each company. He also stated that some matters might require consultation with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to trace the money trail.