The suspects’ investments were valued at approximately B1 billion and officers seized B4.1 million in cash for further investigation, Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Khajornklin, Deputy Commander of Region 8 Police, announced yesterday (Feb 25).
Police are also investigating an accounting firm suspected of aiding in document falsification to hide foreign ownership, Pol Maj Gen Pornchai said.
The Investigation Division of Region 8 Police was ordered to collaborate with Phuket Provincial Police in a large-scale operation to identify and apprehend foreigners violating Thai business laws, Pol Maj Gen Pornchai explained.
Officers searched target businesses such as food and beverage shops, international schools, hotels, car rentals, condominiums, housing estates, and accounting offices suspected of assisting in concealing foreign business operations.
The operation resulted in multiple arrests, including two individuals with outstanding arrest warrants under the Alien Business Act B.E. 2542.
Additionally, two Chinese nationals were arrested for being in the Kingdom with an expired permit or illegal entry, while two Myanmar nationals were detained for working in violation of Thai labour laws.
In carrying out the operation, officers seized B4,108,000 in cash during the arrests and discovered two undeclared lion cubs that were found in possession without permits.
Police will further investigate the individuals involved and expand the inquiry into the illegal business network, Pol Maj Gen Pornchai assured.
Pol Maj Gen Pornchai did not identify specifically which businesses were involved, and did not confirm whether the two Chinese nationals arrested were involved in the operation of The Glass House Cafe and Space on Ratsada-Anusorn Rd, in Moo 2, Ratsada.
The owners/operators of The Glass House Cafe have already been caught as repeat offenders in the illegal possession of lion cubs, so far without any consequences that have been made publicly known.
Regardless, police were thanked for their action against the illegal operations, notably with Sarayuth Mallam, Vice President of Government Relations at the Phuket Tourist Association, presenting a bouquet to Pol Maj Gen Pornchai.
See also:
Police raid Chinese-run cafe for lion cub abuse, again
New beginnings for rescued lion cub
Lion cub ’Nong Kiwi’ in care, owner faces wildlife animal charges
Officials hunt lion cub misuse at tourist cafe
BIGGER PICTURE
The operation was carried out as part of a larger campaign ordered by National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, which aims to investigate and dismantle networks of foreign investors unlawfully operating businesses in Thailand, Pol Maj Gen Pornchai noted.
Officers had discovered that these individuals had exploited legal loopholes by setting up nominee businesses to evade taxation and engage in unfair competition, significantly impacting Thai business owners.
The operation, which was under the leadership of Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Thana Chuawong, who also serves as the Director of the Center for the Suppression of Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration, saw coordinated efforts targeting 29 locations across seven provinces within Region 8’s jurisdiction, resulting in the arrest of 23 suspects.
Region 8 Police are responsible for overseeing police operations in the seven provinces of Upper Southern Thailand, comprising: Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Sri Thammarat.
OTHER MAJOR ARRESTS
On Monday (Feb 24), the Investigation Division of Krabi Provincial Police arrested Nattaphon Anussarangkun, 43, in possession of 13,556 bottles of cough syrup, 1,000 painkiller pills, and a mobile phone. He was charged with possession and sale of prescription drugs without permission. Officers believe he is part of a larger drug trafficking network, and further investigations are underway.
The Investigation Division of Ranong Provincial Police yesterday (Feb 25) arrested a ‘Ms Ei Ei Khaing’, a Myanmar national, and a ‘Mr Win Win Tun’ for operating an illegal business with other Myanmar nationals. They were found to be selling goods illegally via live-streaming on the Shopee app, violating the Customs Act B.E. 2560. Officers seized a large stockpile of cosmetics, food and medicine and are investigating the source of the products.
Also yesterday, Ranong Provincial Police’s drug suppression task force intercepted a shipment of 20,000 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) hidden within seafood containers sent from Samut Sakhon Province to Ranong Province. The drugs were intended for distribution to local dealers.
In Surat Thani, police launched a coordinated operation to inspect illegal foreign labour activities. Five suspects were arrested for violating employment regulations, including working beyond authorized permits and failing to notify authorities of foreign workers. Officers also seized 67 pieces of evidence, including documents and other items related to illegal e-cigarette sales.
Meanwhile, in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, police arrested Manit Sichaiphum, 52, seizing 10,080 e-cigarettes, 35,000 e-cigarette liquid replacement heads and a 10-wheeled truck used for transportation. The total value of the confiscated items was given as B11,968,000.
Pol Maj Gen Pornchai said Region 8 Police reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illegal foreign business activities, drug trafficking and labour violations. He assured that police would continue taking decisive action “to uphold law and order in Thai society”.