Bangkok: A recent NIDA poll has highlighted significant public concern regarding the activities of foreigners in Thailand, with 94% of respondents identifying investment in illegal businesses or money laundering as the most dangerous threat to the country. The survey, conducted on the topic of "Illegal Foreigners," sought to gauge public opinion on the impact of such activities on Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the poll results revealed that a majority of respondents view several illegal activities as highly dangerous. Following money laundering, 82.14% of those surveyed identified the practice of hiring Thai nominees to hold land as a major threat. This was closely followed by 81.76% who noted the danger in hiring Thai nationals to falsely claim paternity for citizenship purposes.
The survey also highlighted concerns over "zero-dollar businesses," with 81.29% of respondents expressing alarm over foreign investors monopolizing and controlling trading systems to the detriment of Thai citizens. Additionally, 81.21% of participants were wary of foreigners hiring Thai nominees to open businesses or hold majority stakes.
Other concerns included the formation of foreign communities within Thailand, viewed as very dangerous by 77.48% of respondents, and the employment of foreigners in roles not matching their work permits, considered very dangerous by 72.98% of those surveyed. Entering occupations reserved for Thai citizens was also a concern, with 65.42% indicating it posed a significant threat.
Personal encounters with illegal behavior by foreigners were less common, with 35.95% of respondents having never witnessed such activities. However, 26.11% reported witnessing investment in illegal businesses, and 25.88% noted the use of Thai nominees in business operations.
The poll also explored the perceived root causes of these illegal activities. Corruption and malfeasance by officials were cited by 67.10% of respondents as a primary factor, followed by lenient legal penalties and government policies that enable such activities. Additionally, 50.46% of participants pointed to corruption among politicians, and 48.70% blamed self-interest among some Thais.
The findings underscore a significant level of concern among the Thai public regarding the impact of foreign-led illegal activities on the country's economic and social fabric.