Pattaya: "Worrasit" leads a joint operation by the Ministry of Interior, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and the police to crack down on foreign nominee businesses, seizing crucial evidence in Pattaya.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior (M.4), together with Pol. Gen. Ruttapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, spearheaded a special operations unit from the Department of Provincial Administration. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of the Ministry of Justice and the Royal Thai Police, targeting networks using nominees to hold land and conduct businesses for foreigners in Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The operation followed a search warrant issued by the Criminal Court for violations of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999). High-profile officials, including Pol. Lt. Col. Wisanu Chimtrakul, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, and Mr. Naris Niramaiwong, Governor of Chonburi Province, were also present.
Mr. Worasit explained that the operation aligns with the government's policy, under Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, to suppress illegal businesses. The Ministry of Interior, alongside the Ministry of Justice and the Royal Thai Police, expanded investigations into the use of Thai nationals as nominees to hold land and conduct businesses for foreigners in the Pattaya and Bang Lamung districts. This issue significantly affects the economy and public order. The operation builds on previous investigations in Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, and Phuket province.
Investigators found that "Cozy Beach View Co., Ltd." was involved in activities violating the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999), leading to search warrants from the Criminal Court for three key locations. At KT International Law and Business, an international law firm in Pattaya, authorities suspected the firm of acting as an agent to register Cozy Beach View Co., Ltd., using Thai employees' names to hold shares for foreign owners. Relevant evidence was seized for further investigation.
The second location, Shilat Avenue Pattaya Hotel, had hired KT International Law and Business for its registration. Investigators found that the law firm's employees were listed as company founders. Further examination revealed shareholder list changes linked to Lotus Paradise Development Co., Ltd., and individuals with a history in the aluminum sales business in Samut Sakhon province as shareholders, indicating a complex nominee network.
At Cozy Beach View Co., Ltd., located in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Israeli investors served as directors. Investigating its shareholder structure revealed the use of Thai nationals as nominees since 2010. Connections through directors and shareholders were found with Lotus Paradise Development Co., Ltd., a company with assets exceeding several hundred million baht.
Mr. Worasit stated that the search was conducted meticulously under a lawful court-issued search warrant. The main objective was to gather evidence, including business documents and electronic records, to establish relationships and links among those involved in the crime. Authorities seized computer equipment and various documents for forensic examination. The Ministry of Interior will work closely with the Department of Special Investigation to expand the investigation to all related individuals, strictly enforcing the law to protect national interests, justice, and social order.