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Thailand News

All the latest news stories from Thailand are written in English. Fresh news and stories from around the kingdom brought to you daily.

Thailand used as transit point in Tokyo meth case

Bangkok police say a Vietnamese-led drug network used Thailand as a transit point to send crystal methamphetamine concealed in tamarind paste jars to Japan. More than 2kg of the drug, commonly known as ice, was found in a Tokyo-bound shipment after a courier became suspicious of its weight.

Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom announced the case on July 17 with Pol Maj Gen Chaiya Phetpanya, head of Metropolitan Police Division 7, and Bang Yi Khan Police Station investigators.

The inquiry followed the questioning of Sompong, a Thai suspect arrested in connection with the alleged network.

Tamarind jars raised suspicion

On July 13, a person who earns money carrying goods overseas contacted police after becoming concerned about jars of tamarind paste due to be delivered to Tokyo.

The containers were unusually heavy. After the courier handed them to officers, investigators discovered six rounded foil-wrapped packages concealed inside the jars, which tested positive for more than 2kg of crystal meth.

Police said the case was similar to previous incidents in which travellers had unknowingly been asked to carry parcels containing drugs.

For foreign residents, visitors and people travelling between Thailand and Japan, the case is a reminder not to carry packages for others, particularly food items or sealed goods whose contents cannot be independently checked.

Police said the group allegedly made shipments look routine by offering a courier rate of about 450 baht per kilogramme, close to normal delivery charges.

Network allegedly directed from Hanoi

Investigators believe Vietnamese nationals ran the operation, with a senior figure allegedly directing it from Hanoi. Anonymous Facebook accounts were reportedly used to hire delivery riders to collect parcels from homes occupied by Vietnamese nationals in Thailand.

Those riders then delivered packages to Thai couriers hired to travel overseas, creating several layers between the alleged organisers and the final shipment.

Payments and expenses linked to the operation were transferred through a bank account belonging to Sompong, police said.

Vietnamese nationals allegedly took turns withdrawing between 20,000 and 50,000 baht before leaving Thailand for Vietnam shortly afterwards.

Police believe four people may have been involved.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Sompong and three Vietnamese nationals accused of withdrawing money, operating anonymous social-media accounts or directing parts of the operation.

Sompong has denied the allegations. His girlfriend was not named in the four warrants, although police believe she may have known about the operation and are examining her possible involvement.

Japanese authorities asked to help

One of the three Vietnamese suspects named in the warrants has already left Thailand. Police have asked the Immigration Bureau to locate and monitor the movements of the remaining suspects.

The group allegedly changed its methods regularly, concealing drugs in food products or cut-open and resealed seasoning packets. In Tokyo, a Thai national was expected to collect the shipment from the hired courier before it moved through further stages of the distribution network.

Thai police have contacted the Japanese Embassy to help identify those waiting for the package in Tokyo. Investigators are also examining the source of the meth, financial transactions and whether the group was involved in other illegal activity. The investigation is continuing and the allegations have not been proven in court.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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19 July 2026
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UK sex offender's sentence cut by court of appeal

Former scout leader and boarding school housemaster Richard Burrows, who evaded British justice by living in Thailand for 27 years under a false identity, has had his UK prison sentence reduced to 38 years.

Burrows, 83, was originally jailed for 46 years in April after being convicted of sexual offences against 24 boys between the late 1960s and mid-1990s. A Court of Appeal ruling in June changed a nine-year term for attempted buggery and made it concurrent with his other sentences.

The offences were committed in England, not Thailand, where Burrows used a false passport identity to live in the country for decades after leaving the UK.

27 years in Thailand under false name

Burrows fled Britain in 1997 before he was due to stand trial. He had been arrested and charged with offences which he denied, but failed to attend a pre-trial plea and preparation hearing on 8 December that year.

He travelled to Thailand as Peter Leslie Smith, having taken an acquaintance's identity and used it to obtain a passport. He remained in Thailand for the next 27 years.



After running out of money, Burrows returned to Britain and was detained at Heathrow Airport in March 2024. Police bodycam footage later showed the elderly man, using a walking stick, being arrested after landing and placed in a wheelchair.

In March, a jury found him guilty of 54 offences, including four counts of buggery, which would now be charged as rape. He had also pleaded guilty to 43 counts, including offences involving indecent images of children and four charges relating to passports held under a false name.

Appeal changes how term is served

At Chester Crown Court, prosecutors said Burrows abused boys aged 10 to 15 while holding positions of trust. These included working as a housemaster at Danesford Children's Home in Congleton between 1969 and 1971, as well as roles connected to scout groups, amateur radio clubs and a children's home.

His victims in the West Midlands and West Mercia areas were abused between 1968 and 1995, Cheshire Police said, with most targeted through local scout groups where he was a team leader.

At the appeal hearing, Burrows' lawyers argued that two offences should not have been separated and that the overall sentence was excessive. Lord Justice Edis, Mr Justice Choudhury and Mrs Justice Norton DBE rejected the first argument but found the sentence was not "just or proportionate".

The attempted buggery sentence was substituted from consecutive to concurrent, meaning it will run at the same time as the other prison terms. Burrows, who has cancer, is considered unlikely to reach a stage at which he could be considered for release.

Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson described him as a "prolific sex offender" and said he had fled abroad rather than face the consequences of his actions. Four of his victims have died without seeing him brought to justice.


Pictures courtesy of The Daily Mall

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19 July 2026
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Kata cannabis shops raided; 500,000 baht seized

Phuket Immigration Police have raided two cannabis shops in Kata Beach, seizing 40 items said to be worth more than 500,000 baht. The late-night operation targeted outlets suspected of using foreign workers without the required permission.

The raids took place at about 10pm on Thursday, July 16, as part of a nationwide campaign against foreign nationals who enter Thailand illegally, are wanted for prosecution overseas or work unlawfully through Thai nominee arrangements, Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express.

Late-night raids in Kata

Officers found a Thai man and a Myanmar national at the two retail premises. Police said the Myanmar worker was seen selling cannabis products directly to customers and running shop operations.

Authorities said their enquiries identified several alleged offences. These included working without proper authorisation, working outside the conditions permitted, and selling food products without the appropriate labels.



All 40 seized items were treated as contraband by investigators, with their estimated street value put at more than 500,000 baht.

Owners and licences under review

The suspects were transferred to investigators for further legal action.

Police said the inquiry would now widen to establish who ultimately owns the businesses. Investigators will examine whether foreign nationals were backing the shops through Thai nominees, a structure sometimes used to conceal foreign control of businesses subject to restrictions.

Relevant agencies will also be asked to check the cannabis retail licences connected with the premises, police said.

The operation was part of a wider immigration enforcement policy directed at foreigners who allegedly evade legal action, enter Thailand without permission or take up work unlawfully.


Pictures courtesy of Phuket Express

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19 July 2026
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Thai MP urges PM to halt Chinese tanks for Cambodia

Thai Ruam Palang MP Wasawat Poungponsri has called on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to stop the planned delivery of 40 additional Chinese-built T59D main battle tanks to Cambodia.

Wasawat made the appeal on July 17 while Anutin was on an official visit to China, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaeo. The MP said the request should be made for Thailand's border security, following last year's fighting between Thailand and Cambodia along their shared frontier.

Request during China visit

Wasawat, who is also secretary-general of the splinter opposition Thai Ruam Palang party, said Cambodia had already deployed more than 90 T59D tanks. Many of them were reportedly positioned near Thailand's lower-northeastern border areas.

The MP urged Anutin to seek a suspension of the extra 40-tank delivery directly from Xi.

Submarine funding challenged

Wasawat also called for 2.68 billion baht in partial funding for the Royal Thai Navy's purchase of a Chinese-built S26T submarine to be suspended indefinitely in the fiscal 2027 budget.

He cited budget constraints and argued that any future armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia would be fought on land and would be unlikely to occur at sea.

The S26T is a derivative of the Russian-built Kilo class submarine. It has yet to be agreed on a suitable engine, after the proposed, embargoed German-built MTU396 engine. The total price has been reported to cost around 13 billion baht.

Delivery of the submarine, intended to be Thailand's first in six decades, has been rescheduled for late 2028.

Wider naval procurement questions

Alongside the submarine project, the Thai Navy could consider a Chinese-built frigate, as well as a South Korean- or Turkiyean-built frigate, among other options.

Wasawat sits on an extraordinary House committee examining the 3.78 trillion baht budget legislation prepared by the Bhumjaithai-led government.


Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

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19 July 2026
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Highway 304 crash kills truck driver in Prachin Buri

A trailer-truck driver died after the vehicle overturned and caught fire on the steep Highway 304 descent in Na Di district, Prachin Buri, early on Saturday, 18 July. Police believe brake failure caused the crash at kilometre marker 209.

The truck, which was carrying compressed natural rubber blocks, was travelling from Nakhon Ratchasima towards Kabin Buri when it lost braking power on the final sharp curve before the downhill section, according to Wang Khon Daeng police.

It overturned against a concrete median barrier and was quickly engulfed by flames. Thick black smoke rose from the truck as the rubber cargo burned.

Driver could not be identified immediately

Police, firefighters, rescue teams and highway officials arrived shortly after half past midnight. Firefighters needed more than an hour to bring the blaze under control.



Compressed natural rubber blocks are highly combustible, police said, which caused Saturday's fire to spread rapidly and trapped the driver inside the cab.

Once the fire was out, rescuers found one body trapped in the cab. The victim had suffered severe burns, meaning neither the person's identity nor gender could immediately be established.

Rescue workers used hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the body. It was taken to Na Di Hospital for forensic identification.
The lorry had Bangkok licence plates. The crash blocked all Bangkok-bound lanes through the morning, creating traffic queues stretching for several kilometres.

A hazardous route between national parks

The crash happened on the hilly Highway 304 section between the Unesco-listed Khao Yai and Thap Lan national parks, an area known for steep gradients and sharp bends.

The downhill stretch between kilometre markers 208 and 210 has long been considered among Thailand's most dangerous roads. It has a prolonged gradient of 4-6% and tight curves, and heavy vehicles unfamiliar with the route have frequently suffered brake failure there.

Previous fatal crashes

The same stretch has been the scene of major fatal crashes. On 26 February 2025, a study-tour bus from Bueng Kan left the road after brake failure, killing 19 people and injuring 30.

In February 2014, 15 people died and 45 were injured when a tour bus carrying schoolgirls and their teachers hit the rear of a loaded 18-wheel truck.


Pictures courtesy of NBT

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19 July 2026
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Suvarnabhumi steps up travel security checks

Tourist Police have inspected security and passenger-service arrangements at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport ahead of the summer holiday travel period, working alongside airport, military and local police units.

The visit took place at 1pm on 17 July 2026, led by Major General Pongsayam Meekhanthong, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police. It follows government policy backed by the Prime Minister, the Tourism and Sports Minister, and Tourist Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Saksira Pheuk-um to raise safety standards and confidence among international visitors.

Colonel Monporn Likhitmannont, superintendent of Sub-Division 3 of Tourist Police Division 1, along with senior officers and personnel, received the delegation.

Checks from baggage reclaim to public taxis

Major General Pongsayam instructed officers to take a proactive approach to prevention while providing friendly, quick and standardised assistance to travellers. He said visitors, both Thai and foreign, should feel reassured from the moment they arrive in Thailand.

The inspection brought together Suvarnabhumi Airport authorities, military police stationed at the airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station and military K9 teams.

They checked key areas across the passenger terminal, including international-flight baggage belts and searches for suspicious items using K9 dogs. The operation also covered inbound and outbound tour companies, public-hire vehicle arrangements, and areas where drivers and guides hold signs to meet arriving passengers.

Security measures in surrounding airport areas were also reviewed. Officials said the aim was to ensure each stage of an arrival is safe, efficient and leaves a positive first impression.

For foreigners arriving in Thailand, the exercise is mainly relevant to the first practical steps after landing: baggage collection, meeting a pre-arranged driver or tour representative, and using public transport from the airport.

Tourist Police app and 1155 hotline promoted

Tourist Police officers also promoted the Thailand Tourist Police Application and the 1155 Tourist Police hotline. Travellers can use the services to report an incident, seek help or advice, and contact officers around the clock.

The force said the services support communication in multiple languages, which may be useful for visitors and newly arrived residents who need assistance while travelling in Thailand.
Major General Pongsayam said Suvarnabhumi is an important gateway for travellers from around the world and that safety and service standards at the first point of arrival are central to confidence in Thai tourism.

He said close cooperation among all agencies was needed to make prevention, passenger assistance and support for tourists effective, in line with Royal Thai Police policy.

The Tourist Police Bureau said it would continue raising tourism safety and service standards through cooperation with all sectors, aiming to support Thailand's tourism image and the sustainable growth of the tourism economy.


Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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19 July 2026
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Lax visa & enforcement encourages fugitives to Thailand

A former FBI agent who spent a decade based in Thailand says lax visitor entry and law enforcement, combined with the country's appeal as a place to live, have made it attractive to international fugitives.

John Schachnovsky makes the argument in "Beyond the Badge", a memoir published in December 2025 covering his 10 years in Thailand from 2008 to 2019. One section is titled, "Why do fugitives go to Thailand", and answers: "Lax visitor entry and law enforcement," as well as Thailand being openly marketed as an attractive destination.

The book has emerged as Thailand revamps visitor visas and tightens action against nominee companies. The government has presented those measures as part of an effort to balance tourism's benefits against national-security concerns.

Cross-border cases and extradition

Schachnovsky writes that the FBI is commonly asked to assist in international fugitive cases because it has funding to return wanted people home and maintains offices worldwide. The US Marshals Service also has such funds, he says, but the FBI's global presence gives it wider resources for overseas cases.

His account describes cooperation between the FBI and Thai, regional and international agencies pursuing suspects accused of murder, terrorism, drug running, scams, child sexual offences, human trafficking, organised crime, counterfeiting and cybercrime fraud.



He says fugitives from the United States, Russia, China, Europe, Israel and India may believe they can avoid justice in Thailand. Pattaya and Phuket are both mentioned several times as places where suspects had become established.

The former agent was involved in several high-profile investigations during his Thailand posting, including Hollywood actor David Carradine's death by suicide in June 2009, the attempted assassination of Israeli diplomats in February 2012, and the August 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing. After retiring, he was also brought in to assist the investigation into the July 2024 poisoning at the Grand Hyatt Erawan.

Thai cooperation is central

Schachnovsky portrays the Royal Thai Police as committed professionals while acknowledging weaknesses within the system. He stresses that effective cooperation depends on understanding Thai culture, avoiding loss of face, building personal relationships, learning the language and, at times, the camaraderie developed over drinks.

The book describes how investigations can take years, particularly where international banking, financial systems and white-collar crime are involved. Arresting and extraditing a suspect can be more difficult still, with differing legal and regulatory systems across countries.

He also writes that criminal networks operate across borders and can relocate when one country becomes more restrictive. Laos and Myanmar can present particular challenges, he says, describing Myanmar as being under military government.

For foreign residents and visitors, the message is not that ordinary travellers are under suspicion, but that Thailand's visa and business-rule changes form part of a wider push against misuse of the country by criminal networks. Those living or investing here should ensure their visa status and company arrangements comply with Thai rules.

From investigator to educator

Schachnovsky says his work often ran from 0700 until late at night, putting pressure on private life. His wife is a former Drug Enforcement Agency operative, while his son began to understand his work after watching films featuring FBI agents.

Now a security consultant with a major company, he gives talks at universities and schools on avoiding risky behaviour, including drug use and underage drinking. The 200-page book is written as a personal diary and offers a human perspective on cases more commonly seen in news reports.


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19 July 2026
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Tourist fined after driving onto Phuket beach

A tourist has been fined after driving a car onto Layan Beach in Cherng Talay, Phuket, prompting police to reiterate that the island's beaches are not places for vehicles.

Cherng Talay Police Station said the driver was dealt with for causing nuisance or disturbance in a public place. The offence carries a maximum fine of 10,000 baht, although police stated in this case the amount imposed was 5000 baht.

Vehicle driven across beach sand

Beachgoers raised concern after seeing the car being driven over the sand, an area intended for people to walk, relax and enjoy the coast.
Authorities said beaches are not designated for vehicle use.

Driving on them can disrupt other visitors, create safety concerns and damage the coastal environment.


Picture courtesy of Phuket Times

In its public message, Cherng Talay Police asked residents and tourists to help protect the environment, follow traffic rules and preserve Phuket's scenery. The force said this was important for public safety and the appearance of the local area.

Public nuisance fine

The public-place nuisance provision used by police can result in a fine of up to 10,000 baht. Authorities said regulations are intended to protect both visitors and natural resources, while maintaining Phuket's standing as a safe and sustainable destination.

Phuket's beaches are among the island's main attractions for tourists and long-term foreign residents alike. Police stressed that tourists remain welcome to use them, but must do so in accordance with local rules.

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18 July 2026
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Thai Navy denies Iranian attack on Thai-flagged ship

Iranian media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy intercepted and attacked a Thai-flagged cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on 17 July. Thailand's Royal Thai Navy has since said checks found that the ship referred to in the reports was not Thai.

Reuters, citing Iran's Tasnim News Agency, said a Thai-flagged vessel had allegedly ignored warnings and attempted to pass through the strategic waterway without permission before it was intercepted by the IRGC Navy.

Tasnim's report, also cited by Al Jazeera, did not identify the vessel. There were no immediate reports of damage, injuries or deaths, and no further details were released on the alleged interception.

Navy says vessel was not Thai

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, the Royal Thai Navy spokesperson, said on 18 July that the Navy had investigated social-media reports about a merchant ship in the Gulf of Oman that had raised concern it might be Thai.

The Naval Operations Centre checked vessel-tracking information with the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre's operations unit and the Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Service Centre, he said.

"The vessel appearing in the news was not a Thai vessel in any way," the Navy concluded.

The Navy also checked on the one Thai cargo vessel currently operating in the Gulf of Oman. After contacting the person responsible for the ship's security, it received confirmation that the vessel and all personnel aboard were safe, while navigation and operations were continuing normally.

Strategic route remains under scrutiny

The Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most important shipping routes, particularly for oil exports. The reported incident came amid heightened regional tensions, although the Thai Navy's statement places the vessel mentioned in the reports outside Thailand's registry.

The Royal Thai Navy urged the public to rely on information from state agencies and credible news sources. It said it would continue monitoring maritime security closely and coordinating with relevant bodies to protect Thai ships and national maritime interests.

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18 July 2026
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Pattaya police hunt gold snatcher after mall threat

Pattaya police are searching for a man accused of snatching a two-baht-weight gold necklace on the evening of 17 July 2026, from a gold shop on the second floor of a shopping centre in Pattaya, Chonburi.

The suspect allegedly threatened staff before running from the shop, saying he needed money to repay football gambling debts. Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage.

Suspect left an ID card behind

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sudet Imjai, investigation inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, received the report of the theft. He informed his superiors before Police Lieutenant Colonel Anek Srathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, led investigators and patrol officers to the scene.

The theft took place at Yaowarat Bangkok Gold on the second floor of the shopping centre in the north Pattaya area.

A female employee told officers that the suspect was a tall, thin man wearing a black T-shirt. He fled through the front of the shopping centre with one gold necklace weighing two baht.

He left behind an identity card, although police had not established whether it belonged to the alleged offender or is real.

Employee describes alleged threat

Wunsen, 22, an employee at the shop, said the man initially asked to try on a three-baht-weight necklace. He then returned it and asked to wear a two-baht-weight chain.

She said he then told staff: "Do not make a loud noise. I do not want to kill anyone. I am in debt from football gambling and only need the money to pay the debt."

The man then ran towards the front of the centre, she said. Staff activated the alarm and police began efforts to intercept him.

Investigators will now use security camera footage to trace the suspect and seek his arrest for legal proceedings.

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18 July 2026
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Chinese man held in Pattaya over pyramid scheme case

Thai Immigration Bureau investigators have revoked the permission to stay of Chinese national Jiang Liping, after Chinese authorities identified him as the subject of an Interpol Red Notice over an alleged pyramid scheme.

Immigration police said on July 17 that Jiang, who is also facing an arrest warrant in China, had been detained at a property in Nong Prue, after investigators from Division 2 of the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division gathered evidence to support the cancellation of his permission to remain in Thailand.

The case concerns KP International Group, an online platform alleged to have attracted investors with promises of high returns.

Alleged scheme involved thousands of investors

Investigators said Jiang and others established an organisation operating as a pyramid scheme and multi-level marketing network. Investors were encouraged to put money into online platforms, websites and applications, while members were required to recruit further participants.



Authorities found that more than 31,580 people had invested across eight levels of the scheme. More than 3,261 people were allegedly harmed, with losses put at more than 939 million yuan.

Jiang, described by police as the founder and executive, is alleged to have received more than 31 million yuan from the operation. Police said the money was subsequently used to buy property, insurance and vehicles, as well as for personal spending.

China requested international action

Chinese authorities opened criminal proceedings and issued an Interpol Red Notice requesting member countries to locate and detain Jiang.

An Interpol Red Notice is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or other legal action. It is not itself an international arrest warrant.

Travel records showed that Jiang most recently entered Thailand on August 30, 2019, through Don Mueang Airport Immigration Checkpoint. He was later granted permission to remain in the kingdom on a Non-O immigration visa.

For foreign residents, the case is a reminder that a Thai visa or extension of stay can be cancelled where immigration authorities identify serious overseas criminal allegations or international police alerts. A visa does not prevent Thai authorities from taking action under immigration law or coordinating a handover with another country.

Immigration investigators said they had submitted evidence to revoke Jiang's permission to stay and would proceed under Thai law while coordinating his transfer through the relevant procedures.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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18 July 2026
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Thai group seeks return rule for pregnant migrants

A Thai activist group is preparing a petition calling for a law that would require pregnant migrant workers to return to their home countries to give birth. The Thai Mai Thon group hopes to collect at least 100,000 Thai signatures before submitting its demand to the Labour Ministry and Senate.

The group says it announced the launch through its Thai Mai Thon page and the Facebook page of its leader, Akkarawut Buranaphan, known as Tae Achiwa.

This political campaign highlights growing scrutiny of migrant-worker welfare, family dependants and public services - issues that could eventually affect employers and foreign families if policy proposals advance.

Petition targets births and family dependants

Akkarawut said the signatures would accompany a letter asking the Labour Ministry to act, while the Senate would be asked to send the issue to its labour committee and invite the labour minister for discussions.

He argued that Thailand needs workers but should not accept accompanying dependants as a burden. He also called for the removal of rules allowing migrant workers to bring family members to live in Thailand.

Akkarawut cited Singapore, Taiwan and Israel as countries which, he said, send Thai workers home if they become pregnant and admit workers without their families. He claimed migrant workers may seek to settle in Thailand and that births here create economic and security concerns.

Education and healthcare rights criticised

The Economic Party is separately campaigning for the government to review or repeal a Cabinet resolution of 5 July 2005. That resolution allows all children in Thailand, including those without household-registration documents or Thai nationality, to enter education at every level with state per-head funding equal to Thai children.

Children born in Thailand without Thai nationality can access 15 years of basic education, from kindergarten to upper secondary school or an equivalent course. The reported state subsidy, including teaching, books, equipment, uniforms and activities, ranges from about 10,000 to 50,000 baht per child annually, depending on the level.

The party puts the number of such children in the education system at around 150,000 to 200,000, with annual education spending estimated at 2-3 billion baht. Tassanan Sirilertmekasakul, the Economic Party's deputy spokesperson, said the party would seek a separate accounting of migrant children's education costs from the overall 20-billion-baht annual education budget cited in the report.

Social Security benefits cited in debate

The party said Section 33 Social Security members who have contributed for at least 12 months can receive 1,000 baht a month per child from birth until age six, for up to three children. A fourth child can qualify once an older child has passed six.

It also cites maternity payments of 15,000 baht per birth, with no limit on claims, and 50 per cent of wages for 90 days for female insured workers, up to two claims. Daily migrant wages were put at 337-400 baht, or roughly 9,000-12,000 baht monthly, with contributions of 600 baht a month.


Picture courtesy of Manager Online

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18 July 2026
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Patong police detain Australian over road skateboarding

Patong police have detained an Australian man after officers saw him skateboarding on a public road in Phuket town. The man, whose name was not released, was apprehended and Police cited safety concerns and local traffic laws after spotting him using the road with his skateboard.

Taken to investigation unit

Phuket Tourist Police told Phuket Express that the Australian was taken into custody along with his skateboard and escorted to the investigation unit for legal proceedings.

Authorities said the matter would be dealt with under Thai law. The report did not specify the particular charge or any potential penalty.

The case follows a reminder from local officials that skateboarding and similar recreational activities should be limited to designated areas rather than public roads.

Officials said road-use violations can endanger both tourists and other people in the community, particularly in busy areas such as Patong where traffic, pedestrians, motorcycles and tour vehicles often share limited space.

Reminder for visitors and residents

For foreigners visiting or living in Thailand, the incident is a practical warning that activities considered harmless or routine elsewhere may draw police attention when carried out on public roads.

Holidaymakers and expats using skateboards, scooters, bicycles or other recreational equipment should be particularly cautious in tourist centres, where enforcement can be swift if officers believe road safety rules have been breached.

Patong's streets can be congested throughout the day and evening, while the area's nightlife and high pedestrian numbers can add further risks after dark. Visitors should use officially designated spaces where available and avoid treating roads as recreation areas.

The authorities' message was directed at visitors generally: recreational activity must not interfere with traffic or create a danger to road users and pedestrians.

No further details about the Australian man's case, including the outcome of the legal proceedings, were released.

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Video courtesy of Phuketinsta

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18 July 2026
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Thailand seeks China and Europe flights to Surat Thani

Thailand's Transport Ministry is pursuing direct international flights from China and Europe to Surat Thani Airport, alongside a luggage-transfer system for passengers continuing to Koh Samui.

The proposals, discussed on Thursday, July 16, 2026, are intended to relieve pressure on Bangkok's main airports, improve access to the upper South and direct more tourism income towards Surat Thani and neighbouring provinces.

Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit chaired the meeting with Suparerk Thongsuk, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, and a working group looking at ways to stimulate the regional tourism economy.

Direct arrivals proposed for Surat Thani

Expanding international air links was identified as a central priority, with participants agreeing to accelerate efforts to secure direct services from China and Europe to Surat Thani Airport.

If introduced, the flights would allow overseas visitors to enter southern Thailand without first passing through Bangkok, potentially making onward travel to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and other destinations in the region more straightforward.

For foreign residents, tourists and prospective property buyers in Samui and the surrounding islands, the proposal could eventually offer an alternative to connecting through Bangkok or flying directly to Samui. However, no airlines, routes or launch dates have been confirmed.

Bags could go straight to hotels

The ministry also wants airlines and private operators to develop a seamless baggage-transfer service between Surat Thani Airport, ferry services, hotels and other destinations on Koh Samui.

Under the proposed arrangement, arriving passengers would not need to wait at the airport baggage carousel. They could travel directly to the ferry terminal while their luggage underwent required screening, sorting and transfer procedures.

Bags could then be collected at the pier or delivered to a passenger's hotel or final destination on Koh Samui. The plan is meant to remove the inconvenience of handling luggage across air, road and ferry connections.

By linking air, land and sea transport, the ministry says it aims to create a new standard for tourism logistics and make journeys to Koh Samui faster and more convenient.

Officials told to begin talks

Phattrapong said the direct-flight and baggage-transfer plans were important for raising revenue at Surat Thani Airport and supporting businesses in Surat Thani, Koh Samui and nearby provinces.

He instructed the Department of Airports to begin discussions as soon as possible with airlines, immigration authorities, customs officials and private-sector operators. The talks will address operational efficiency and whether the airport and connected transport services can provide faster, genuinely seamless travel.

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18 July 2026
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Songkhla operators urge delay to 300-baht entry fee

Tourism operators in southern Thailand have urged the government to postpone a proposed 300-baht tourist entry fee, saying it could deter cross-border travel and duplicate insurance already arranged for visitors.

The proposal was discussed at a tourism development meeting in Hat Yai chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul. Government agencies, private-sector representatives, the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, tourism associations and hotel operators attended the meeting.

Businesses seek fuller review

Songchai Mungprasitchai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said tourism businesses wanted the government to delay the charge and carry out a more comprehensive study before proceeding.

He said one concern was that the proposed fee could overlap with travel insurance already supplied by tour operators. The issue is particularly relevant to organised visitors whose travel packages may already include insurance cover.

For foreigners planning trips to Thailand, the calls underline that the 300-baht charge remains under discussion rather than an announced new requirement. Travellers using land borders, especially those making short visits, would be among those most directly affected if it were introduced.

Daily Malaysia border travel is a concern

Mr Songchai said the greatest concern involved the southern border provinces, where large numbers of people travel daily between Thailand and Malaysia for trade, work, dining and short visits.

A fee levied on every traveller could add up for people who cross frequently, including foreign residents and visitors based on either side of the border. It could also affect tourists making brief overland trips rather than longer holidays in Thailand.

The meeting was convened to discuss measures to make border crossings easier and improve safety, alongside wider tourism development issues.

Call for a vehicle-based charge

Mr Songchai urged the government to consider charging per vehicle instead of per traveller. Such an approach, he said, would better reflect the realities of high-volume daily crossings in the south.

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18 July 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Concrete slab kills worker at Bang Na renovation site

A concrete slab fell in a building being renovated in Bangkok's Bang Na district on Friday morning, 17 July, killing one Myanmar worker and seriously injuring another.

The incident happened at a site on Sukhumvit 66/1 in the Bang Na Nuea area at about 9.50am on July 17. Authorities are investigating what caused the slab to fall.



The Phra Ram Radio Centre received the alert and sent firefighters and rescue teams from Phra Khanong fire and rescue station to the scene.

Rescue teams find one worker trapped

Initial reports said two men had sustained severe injuries in the collapse. One was taken to Ruamchai Rak Hospital for treatment.
The second man was trapped beneath the fallen concrete structure. He was later pronounced dead, with rescue workers working for some time, to recover his body.


Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

Bang Na district office identified the injured man as Aung Moe Thu, 28, a Myanmar national. The worker who died was named as Zin Min Thet Aung, 32, also a Myanmar national.

Building had renovation approval

According to the district office, the building had received permission for structural modifications on June 10.

No cause for the failure has yet been confirmed. Officials were examining the site as part of their investigation into the accident.



The incident occurred in a busy Sukhumvit-side neighbourhood of Bang Na, an area used by residents, office workers and visitors travelling through eastern Bangkok. Foreign residents and tourists passing construction or renovation sites are generally advised to follow site barriers and warning signs, particularly where work is under way above street level.

The case also highlights the risks faced by migrant labourers, including workers from Myanmar, who make up a significant part of Thailand's construction workforce. Authorities have not announced whether any action will follow against those responsible for the renovation site while the investigation remains under way.


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18 July 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

US Section 301 tariff could hit Thai exports

Thailand could face a significant blow to exports if proposed US Section 301 tariffs take effect after 24 July, according to Pachara Naripthaphan, a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission board.

Speaking on 17 July, Pachara said Thailand's proposed 12.5% rate would exceed the 10% rates facing Indonesia and Malaysia. He urged the government to address structural weaknesses rather than relying solely on economic stimulus.

Thailand is currently subject to a 10% US tariff under Section 122, the same rate applied to other ASEAN countries. That measure expires automatically after 150 days, on 24 July.

Pachara said the proposed higher rate for Thailand reflects its classification among countries without effective enforcement measures against goods made with forced labour. Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam are in the same group, he said.

Exports have been carrying the economy

Thai exports rose 23.1% in April before slowing to 10.6% in May, supported by electronics and advance orders placed before US tariff measures took effect. Pachara said the broader domestic picture was weaker, with growth being driven by exports and investment rather than recovering household purchasing power.

Thailand recorded a current-account deficit of US$7.6 billion in May, while household debt remained high at 85.9% of GDP.
The US was Thailand's largest export market from January to May 2026. Exports to the US totalled about US$38 billion, or 23.5% of all Thai exports, up 40.3% on the same period a year earlier.

However, Pachara said part of that growth resulted from businesses bringing shipments forward. Once this effect fades in the second quarter and tariffs are fully imposed, exports could weaken noticeably.

For businesses running export, sourcing or manufacturing businesses in Thailand, the warning highlights a potential rise in costs and uncertainty for companies heavily reliant on US customers. Pachara said listed companies with substantial US-market exposure could see effects on investment applications, production and business performance.

Longer-term trade risks

Unlike Section 122, Section 301 does not simply lapse after a set short period. Under the law, it ends after four years unless the Office of the US Trade Representative receives a request to continue it and agrees following a review.

In practice, Pachara said, such measures can remain in place for years and may be reintroduced in some circumstances. Failure by a trading partner to meet agreed commitments could also trigger enforcement action again.

He added that further Section 232 tariffs apply to steel and aluminium products, while negotiations by the Thai delegation remain under way.

Pachara said the greater concern was not only the 12.5% figure but the Section 301 negative list, which largely covers Thailand's main export products. He also pointed to a US investigation into industrial overcapacity, citing Thailand's low capacity utilisation over two consecutive years.

Calls for stronger oversight

Pachara also called for clear government action on alleged corruption in local civil-service examinations, saying transparency and communication were needed to restore public and investor confidence.

He raised concerns over data-centre expansion to support AI investment, including criticism that some projects register as buildings to avoid environmental-impact assessments. The spread of supported sites has also prompted concerns about local water resources and whether communities receive genuine benefits.

He said Thailand must strengthen its competitiveness as Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia move aggressively to address their own weaknesses. Without structural reforms, he warned, additional stimulus spending could be absorbed by accumulated private-sector and household debt rather than improving productivity.

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18 July 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Koh Samui tops world 2026 island list

Koh Samui has been named the World's Best Island for 2026 by Travel + Leisure, placing Thailand's Gulf island ahead of the Maldives, Bali and Milos.

The Surat Thani island received a reader score of 95.64 in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. The Maldives came a close second with 95.38, while the Galapagos Islands ranked third, Bali fourth and Phuket fifth.

The result gives Thailand two of the five highest-ranked island destinations in the 2026 list, with Koh Samui and Phuket both featuring in the top five.

Reader score puts Samui ahead

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said the recognition reflected Koh Samui's appeal beyond its beaches. It cited the island's scenery, cultural heritage, local character and range of food experiences.

Koh Samui is expected to gain further standing in the premium international travel market following the award, while the recognition also supports Thailand's wider position as a global tourism destination.

For foreign residents, repeat visitors and prospective holidaymakers, the accolade may bring greater international attention to Samui. The government has indicated that its response will focus not only on attracting more visitors, but also on how the island manages tourism over the longer term.

Government promises tourism improvements

Rather than viewing the award as an endpoint, authorities said they would use it to improve tourism quality and long-term management on Koh Samui.

The stated priorities include stronger visitor safety measures, public-infrastructure improvements and tighter action against illegal businesses which could undermine confidence in the destination.

These areas are particularly relevant to foreigners who live on the island or visit regularly, as safety standards, transport and other public facilities form part of daily life as well as the holiday experience. The government has not set out specific measures or a timetable in the announcement.

Authorities also plan to improve tourism services and support development intended to protect Koh Samui's environment and distinctive identity, while benefiting local communities and the wider economy.

Thailand has two islands in the top five

Koh Samui's first-place finish narrowly edged the Maldives, while the Galapagos Islands, Bali and Phuket completed the top five.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports said the result underlined Thailand's continued ability to draw travellers through its mix of natural scenery, culture, food and hospitality. For Samui, the challenge outlined by the government is to preserve those qualities while improving services, infrastructure and visitor confidence.


Picture courtesy of PR Thai Government

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18 July 2026
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Georgealbert

Chinese woman held in Bangkok over China bribery case

Thai immigration police have arrested a 42-year-old Chinese woman at a luxury penthouse-style condominium in Bangkok's Lumpini area, where the reported monthly rent was 270,000 baht.

The woman, identified only as Mrs Wang, was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Longting District People's Procuratorate in Kaifeng, China, over allegations of accepting bribes and corruption. Immigration officers are preparing to send her back to China under legal procedures.

The arrest was announced on 17 July by Immigration Division 3 chief Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha. The operation was carried out by the division's investigation officers following orders from senior commanders.

Chinese allegations date back to 2020

Chinese investigators allege that Wang was appointed executive vice general manager of China State Construction Investment Capital in September 2020. She submitted a resignation letter in October 2022, although the request had not been approved.

According to the investigation by Chinese authorities, she used her position to benefit a related private company and, together with her spouse, accepted 300,000 yuan in bribes from that company.

She is also accused of improperly using her official role to divert 750,000 yuan of agency assets, allegedly using the money to buy property for personal benefit. The allegations amount to offences of accepting bribes and misappropriating or corruptly taking state assets, according to the authorities.

The Longting District Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision in Kaifeng accepted the case for investigation in June 2026. The district procuratorate approved an arrest warrant in July.

Privilege Card stay revoked

Wang entered Thailand on 11 June 2026, according to Immigration Division 3. She had subsequently been permitted to remain in the kingdom under a Thailand Privilege Card visa until 10 June 2027.

Pol Maj Gen Songprod ordered the revocation of that permission to stay. Immigration said she fell within prohibited categories under the Immigration Act: a foreigner reasonably believed to pose a danger to society or national security, or a person wanted under a warrant issued by foreign government officials.

She has been handed to Sub-Division 3 of the Immigration Bureau's Investigation Division for detention and further processing ahead of her removal to her home country.

For foreigners in Thailand, the case underlines that a valid long-stay permission, including a Thailand Privilege Card visa, does not prevent immigration authorities from cancelling permission to remain where a holder is considered to meet prohibited-person criteria.


Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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18 July 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

School bus crash in Surin injures 57 passengers

A school tour bus carrying 51 pupils and six teachers, left the road and rolled over onto it’s side, in Prasat district, Surin, on Friday, 17 July. All 57 people on board suffered minor injuries, with no deaths or serious injuries reported.

Prasat Police received the report at 11.22am, following the crash on Highway 214 opposite Wat Talwak in Kang-an subdistrict, Prasat district.



The bus had been transporting pupils from a school in Khukhan district, Si Sa Ket, on an educational trip.

Passengers taken to hospital

Police, traffic officers, patrol units and emergency responders were sent to the scene following instructions from Pol Col Weeraphan Na Lampang, deputy provincial police commander for Surin, and Pol Col Weenawat Sriyaem, superintendent of Prasat Police Station.


Pictures courtesy of Naewna

Officials assisted those involved, arranged for all the injured passengers to be taken to hospital and managed traffic around the crash site.

Police said every passenger suffered only minor injuries. The road was subsequently reopened and traffic returned to normal.

Cause remains under investigation

Investigators are still establishing what caused the bus to leave the highway and rolled over.

School transport safety has remained a concern in Thailand following a number of serious bus crashes in recent years. In this case, authorities said thankfully, there were no fatalities and no one was seriously hurt.

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18 July 2026
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Georgealbert

Government reinforces cannabis flower sales & export rules

The government has repeated that cannabis flower is classified as a "controlled herb", requiring licences for commercial research, export, sale and processing, while public sales are limited to people with valid medical prescriptions.

The measures, outlined by deputy government spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan on Friday, July 17, 2026, form part of the Ministry of Public Health Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) 2025.

Cannabis flower can be prescribed for medical purposes by a physician, Thai traditional medical practitioner, folk healer, pharmacist or dentist. Each prescription can cover no more than 30 days.

Prescription-only sales

Under Section 46, anyone intending to research, export, sell or process cannabis flower commercially must obtain a licence.
Sales to the general public are permitted only where the buyer has a prescription from a qualified practitioner. Retailers that secretly sell flowers to people without a doctor's prescription may face prosecution.

Smoking cannabis flower on business premises is prohibited, except when it is part of treatment provided by a qualified practitioner. The regulations also ban sales through vending machines, electronic channels and computer networks, as well as advertising through any channel.

Those who illegally sell, process or export cannabis flower can be prosecuted under Section 78 of the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act 1999. The maximum penalty is one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to THB20,000, or both.

What travellers need to know

For foreign residents and visitors, the most important point is that cannabis flower cannot simply be treated as an ordinary tourist purchase. Buyers should ensure any flower is obtained in line with the prescription requirement, while businesses catering to tourists must comply with the new sales and advertising restrictions.

Travellers should also be particularly careful not to carry cannabis out of Thailand. Ploythalay said that, although Thailand has laws governing cannabis for medical and health purposes, some countries still classify it as a serious narcotic drug.

The government urged the public and travellers to follow the laws of destination countries, whether they are aware of those rules or not. This includes avoiding carrying cannabis in luggage, across land borders or on onward flights.

Smuggling cannabis out of Thailand without customs formalities, or attempting to evade inspection, carries a far heavier penalty: up to 10 years in prison, a fine equal to four times the value of the goods including duty, or both.

Reporting suspected breaches

Members of the public can report suspected illegal cannabis flower sales, or gatherings involving narcotics that cause a public nuisance, to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board hotline on 1386. The line operates 24 hours a day.

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18 July 2026
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Georgealbert

Norwegian accused in Rayong boxing abuse case dead

A Norwegian man accused by child boxers of sexual abuse at a boxing gym in Rayong reportedly died from cancer one day before Central Investigation Bureau officers searched the premises.

The 80-year-old, identified only as Kim, was named by children interviewed after police arrested the 28-year-old son of the gym owner, in Chon Buri on July 15. The investigation into alleged child prostitution and abuse at the gym remains ongoing.

Arrest followed undercover operation

Police said suspect was arrested at a resort in Chon Buri on allegations that he procured child boxers for prostitution. The arrest followed an undercover operation in which an officer posed as someone interested in becoming a boxing student.

The officer questioned the suspect about alleged sexual services, then arranged to buy those services and set up a meeting involving the suspect and several boys at the resort, where he was arrested.

Investigators subsequently searched the Rayong boxing gym and interviewed 15 child boxers. According to the children's accounts, Kim was involved in the alleged abuse.

The children claimed the Norwegian man sexually abused young boxers and paid them between 500 and 5,000 baht. Several also alleged that he financially supported the gym and provided money to some of the children and their families.

Long-standing financial support alleged

Channel 7 reported that the gym owner met Kim around 10 years ago at a boxing competition in Pattaya. The broadcaster said the Norwegian subsequently became a major financial backer of the gym.

Investigators later learned from local residents that Kim had died of cancer the day before the police raid, Channel 7 reported.

For foreign residents and visitors using boxing gyms or arranging training for children in Thailand, the case is a reminder that the current police inquiry concerns alleged criminal activity at one specific Rayong gym. Authorities have not announced further arrests or named additional suspects.

Claims over possible motive unconfirmed

Channel 7 also spoke to a man named Wa, who said he had been close to Kim. Wa claimed he did not believe the suspect was involved in the alleged child prostitution ring, instead accusing another person linked to the gym, identified as Tar.

Wa further alleged that Kim and the suspect had a difficult relationship. He claimed Tar regularly brought child boxers to visit Kim, including during the final stages of the Norwegian man's illness in Pattaya.

He suggested that financial disputes may have led Tar to report the matter to police and shift blame towards the suspect. Police have not confirmed those claims.

Channel 7 reported that a Thai woman, Thippawan, worked closely with Kim and managed his financial affairs. Attempts by the broadcaster to contact her for comment were unsuccessful.

Related story

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18 July 2026

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Georgealbert

Four Russians held in Chonburi THB5bn property probe

Four Russian nationals were arrested in Chonburi on Friday, July 17, as police widened an investigation into suspected nominee company arrangements involving upmarket homes and land valued at more than THB5 billion.

The operation targeted 33 companies suspected of using Thai shareholders to conceal foreign control of property businesses and bypass restrictions on foreign business activity and land ownership.

Pol Lt Gen Nopasil Poolsawat, a commissioner attached to the Office of the National Police Chief, led the coordinated raids. Police carried out four arrest warrants and searched 41 locations across the province, including a housing development in Bang Lamung district.

All four Russian suspects named in the warrants were taken into custody.

Companies and land under scrutiny

The immediate inquiry concerns 33 companies linked to 32 land plots with an estimated value of about THB235 million.

Investigators suspect Thai nationals may have been registered as shareholders on behalf of foreign beneficiaries.



Police seized company registration documents, accounting records, computers, mobile phones and a large quantity of electronic data. Officers are tracing financial flows and checking for possible links to a wider domestic and international network.

The Chonburi investigation began with a provincial task force set up to examine unlawful foreign business activity, following earlier arrests involving foreign property brokers and suspected nominee arrangements.

Immigration police, Chonburi Provincial Police, and officials responsible for business registration, land, tax and commerce later combined their findings, leading to the expanded operation.

Police stressed that the companies and individuals are still under investigation. Any legal responsibility must be decided through the judicial process.

Estate promoted as a 'Russian village'

A key part of the inquiry involves a housing estate that was reportedly marketed for sale and rent on Russian-based websites. Investigators found the development had been described online as a "Russian village", leading authorities to examine who owned and controlled the houses and the land beneath them.


Pictures courtesy of The Nation

According to police findings, more than 495 companies had been set up to hold around 775 detached houses across five developments. The combined value of those properties was put at more than THB5 billion.

Police said 435 of the companies had foreign shareholders. Investigators identified 19 companies suspected of using nominee shareholders, as well as another 14 companies in which foreign shareholdings allegedly exceeded legal limits while the businesses held land.

Those two groups account for the 33 companies now facing possible legal action.

For foreign buyers, residents and investors in Thailand, the case is a reminder that property structures involving Thai companies, shareholders or land ownership can receive close official scrutiny. The investigation concerns alleged nominee arrangements, rather than ordinary foreign residents renting homes or buying property within permitted legal structures.

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18 July 2026
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Georgealbert

Thai-Foreign Couple Accused of Dodging B195K Wedding Bill

A catering business owner has lodged a complaint with Pak Chong Police Station, alleging a Thai-foreign couple failed to pay the remaining 195,000 baht bill for their wedding reception in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Somsak Taemsuay, 39, filed the complaint on July 16 after repeated attempts to obtain payment, according to his account. Police said they intend to summon the couple to discuss the dispute, although no date has been set.

Booking and deposit

Somsak said a Thai woman identified only as Paphada booked his company on June 9 for a wedding reception held on July 7. The order was for catering for 130 tables, charged at 2,500 baht each, making the total bill 325,000 baht.



He said he met Paphada at her home in Ban Rai subdistrict, Thep Sathit district, on June 10 to agree the menu and arrangements for the venue. She subsequently paid a 130,000 baht deposit, he said.

Because of the size of the booking, Somsak said his business also supplied drinks free of charge and arranged a live band for the morning wedding ceremony.

Caterer says balance was not paid

The catering service was completed on the wedding day, and Somsak said his company asked for settlement of the remaining balance afterwards. He alleged that the couple asked to pay the following day, but the 195,000 baht did not arrive.

According to Somsak, Paphada later told him that her foreign husband had not provided the dowry he had promised, leaving her unable to pay the outstanding amount.



Somsak said the unpaid bill has caused financial pressure for him and his business. Despite making a police complaint, he said he would prefer to resolve the matter through negotiation rather than court action.

The complaint remains an allegation, and the report does not identify the foreign husband's nationality or give his response.

What foreign residents should note

For foreigners planning a wedding or other major event in Thailand, the case underlines the importance of making clear arrangements with suppliers over deposits, final-payment dates and who is responsible for settling the bill.

Police have said only that they plan to call the couple in for questioning and discussions over the alleged debt.


Pictures courtesy of Facebook/ Khao Pak Chong News

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18 July 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Chinese investor arrested over Chon Buri nominee shares

Police and immigration officers have arrested a Chinese investor in Chon Buri over allegations that Thai nationals were used as nominee shareholders in a company selling processed timber.

The arrest followed a search of the company premises on Ban Bueng-Klaeng Road in Ban Bueng district on 16 July, carried out under Chon Buri Provincial Court search warrant No. 146/2569.

Officers seized computers, mobile phones, CCTV equipment and documents they said were connected to the alleged offences.

Arrest warrant and allegations

The suspect, identified as Mrs Zhen, was arrested under Chon Buri Provincial Court arrest warrant No. 403/2569.

She is accused of allowing Thai nationals to assist or support her, or to hold shares in a limited company on behalf of a foreigner.



Authorities allege this was intended to allow a foreigner to operate a business while avoiding or breaching provisions of Thailand's Foreign Business Act.

She also faces an allegation of operating a business as a foreigner in breach of Section 8(3) of the Act. Police said she had been informed of the charges and taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

The operation was led by Ban Bueng police chief Pol Col Krit Masuk, with officers from Chon Buri Immigration, Ban Bueng district administration and the Chon Buri Provincial Commercial Office.

What this means for foreign business owners

Thailand restricts foreign participation in a number of business activities under the Foreign Business Act. Foreigners considering a company structure, including those buying into an existing Thai business, should ensure that shareholdings and management arrangements genuinely reflect the investment and are not set up merely to bypass foreign ownership rules.

Using Thai nationals as shareholders in name only can expose both the foreign investor and Thai participants to criminal allegations. The case also underlines that company documents, electronic records and premises may be examined during enforcement action.

For expatriates who run businesses in Thailand, professional legal and accounting advice is particularly important before changing share structures, appointing directors or expanding into activities that may be restricted to Thai-majority companies.

Documents and devices seized

During the search, officers took computers, telephones, CCTV cameras and key business documents for examination.

Authorities have not said whether other people are under investigation or provided further details about the company's operations.


Pictures courtesy of Matichon
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