Thai authorities have launched a joint investigation into several Chinese-linked businesses in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district, uncovering multiple firms with potentially suspicious ownership structures and possible breaches of foreign business regulations. The operation, led by the Department of Business Development (DBD), the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Employment, is part of an ongoing effort to tackle nominee shareholding arrangements and illegal business activities.
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The inspection focused on restaurants, supermarkets and property brokerage businesses along Pracharat Bamphen Road following reports of possible violations of foreign business, labour and immigration laws. Officials found four companies registered at the same address, with one business involving Thai and foreign shareholders in a consultancy operation that authorities identified as a potential nominee risk. Two other firms shared the same group of Thai directors and shareholders with a combined registered capital of 30 million baht, while a fourth construction company was wholly Thai-owned but had a foreign national serving as its sole director.
During the operation, officials were unable to locate company directors or shareholders and only found a caretaker who could not provide details about the businesses. Investigators are now conducting further checks. At a Chinese restaurant previously linked to payment-related concerns, officials met the Chinese director and foreign workers. The director stated that he owned and fully financed the business before inviting Thai nationals to become shareholders.
A review of payment records covering the previous five days showed average daily revenue of around 30,000 baht, with transfer payments made into an account registered in the Chinese director’s name. The DBD has requested additional documentation to support a more detailed investigation.
Officials also examined a retail business where foreign shareholders owned 60 per cent of the company. Authorities found no evidence that the required licence had been obtained, despite the business operating in a sector where foreign participation requires prior approval. Evidence is being prepared for possible legal action.
Further investigation revealed links between some shareholders and another company registered in 2022 that had changed its name five times and failed to submit financial statements for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025, despite continuing to make registration changes. Authorities are now determining whether the company has been conducting genuine business activities.
The operation also uncovered labour and immigration offences. The Department of Employment found foreign workers who had failed to notify authorities of their employer and were working outside the scope of their permits. Immigration officers arrested one illegal entrant and identified one case involving failure to report accommodation details for a foreign national. Both cases were referred to Huai Khwang Police Station for legal proceedings.
Naewna reported that DBD Director-General Phunphong Nainapakorn said investigations into high-risk businesses would continue and warned that authorities would take firm action against nominee arrangements and unauthorised foreign business operations. Immigration officials and other agencies will continue expanding the probe.
Picture courtesy of Naewna
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 8 June 2026