71 Thai and Chinese Nationals Arrested in Nominee Scheme Allowing Foreigners to Bypass Business Laws

MARCH 27, 2025 Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has dismantled 15 companies operating as nominees for Chinese investors, arresting 71 Thai and Chinese nationals involved in the scheme that allowed foreigners to take jobs reserved for Thai citizens.

The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) conducted raids at an accounting firm in Samut Prakan province and a luxury house near Suvarnabhumi Airport. The operation resulted in legal action against 15 corporate entities, 21 Chinese nationals, and 51 Thai nationals for violations of the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542.

The investigation stemmed from the "CIB Game On" operation that previously led to the arrest of a Chinese fugitive wanted on a Red Notice for embezzlement causing approximately 14 billion baht in damages. The suspect had established a company in Thailand to defraud other Chinese nationals by falsely claiming to provide visas and identification cards.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect's nominee company had hired an accounting firm to register businesses and submit financial statements. The accounting firm was found to be using names of its staff members and their families as shareholders in numerous Chinese-owned companies.

During the raids, authorities discovered the accounting firm was actually controlled by a Chinese investor operating from China who recruited Chinese clients wanting to establish businesses in Thailand. The firm used Thai employees and associates as proxy shareholders to circumvent legal restrictions that reserve certain business sectors for Thai nationals and to facilitate foreign ownership of real estate.

The operation was directed by Police Lieutenant General Jirapop Phuridej, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, Police Major General Tassapoom Jaruprac, Commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, and Police Colonel Krit Warathat.