Bangkok: The Department of Business Development, in collaboration with two parliamentary committees, has carried out an inspection of nominee businesses and illegal foreign workers in the Huai Khwang area. Recently, information on 53 high-risk legal entities was submitted to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for financial investigation. Investigations into 112 restaurants with foreign investment are also being expedited, with plans to expand the investigations to other areas across Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, stated that the department dispatched a team of officers to crack down on nominee businesses and inspect the Huai Khwang area again. This operation was conducted in collaboration with multiple committees and local authorities to monitor nominee businesses and illegal foreign workers.
The Department of Business Development has forwarded information on 53 high-risk legal entities to AMLO for investigation into their financial transactions. Relevant agencies have also received this information to conduct in-depth investigations and prosecute offenders as per the law. Additionally, information was sent to the task force for suppressing illegal immigration, the Royal Thai Police, the Revenue Department, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command for further investigation.
For the Huai Khwang district, the Department received information from the Huai Khwang District Office regarding 112 restaurants with foreign investment and is conducting in-depth investigations. The Department has also requested information from all 49 district offices in Bangkok to further expand the investigation.
Mr. Poonpong noted that Huai Khwang is a key economic zone in Bangkok with a significant presence of foreign investors and entrepreneurs, necessitating special monitoring of foreign business operations, illegal labor, and the use of Thai nationals as proxies. Monitoring has revealed attempts to use Thai nationals to hold shares on behalf of foreigners, affecting fair competition and national security.
Both committees emphasized the need for integrated cooperation among relevant agencies to enhance the efficiency of information exchange, investigation, and law enforcement against offenders. Mr. Poonpong confirmed that the Department of Business Development will continue to investigate businesses suspected of using nominees and will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders, ensuring fair competition and economic stability.