Bt21m of hidden cash confiscated while AMLO awaits proof of origin

By The Nation

 

File photo

 

The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has temporarily confiscated euros worth Bt21.5 million that a Thai woman tried to bring into Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport without permission.
 

The AMLO’s order regarding the 574,000 euros (Bt21.529 million) reportedly hidden in the passenger’s luggage, was published in the agency’s website on Monday. 

 

The Thai woman, who has only been identified as Malee, has been charged with importing foreign currency into the country in violation of the Finance Ministry’s Regulation and Customs Act 1926 and is also under investigation for allegedly being in breach of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. 

 

The 90-day confiscation of the cash was deemed necessary in order to prevent the woman from moving the money on, said the AMLO. 

 

The suspect can appeal against the asset confiscation order – and present evidence proving the legitimate origin of the asset –within 30 days.

 

Thai law prohibits amounts over Bt450,000 being carried in and out of the country without the relevant officials being notified. 

 

Customs regulations state that anyone transporting across a border undeclared cash of between Bt450,000 and Bt2 million is liable to a Bt20,000 fine , after which the offender will get his/her money back.

 

If the cash is higher than Bt 2 million the fine increases to Bt40,000 fine, with an undetermined sum being returned to the offender and the remainder going to the Thai government.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30356048

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-10-09

1926 anti laundering laws, just as well it's not 1826..

so in essence, someone can launder monies as much as they like, just pay the peanuts penalty and wait 90 days to get it back no questions asked, dose anyone elses sees what is wrong here?...

Bringing dirty laundry home vs Sending dirty laundry out...

1 hour ago, ezzra said:

so in essence, someone can launder monies as much as they like, just pay the peanuts penalty and wait 90 days to get it back no questions asked, dose anyone elses sees what is wrong here?...

40k fine is for bringing it in without declaring it first - I guess if you cannot explain where it legitimately came from at the time you'll lose it all. Though I'm quite sure that a 40k bribe would get you through whatever the circumstances

It's mine - she was bringing my frozen UK state pension in for me.

That's a hell of a lot of massages and tips.

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

1926 anti laundering laws, just as well it's not 1826..

so in essence, someone can launder monies as much as they like, just pay the peanuts penalty and wait 90 days to get it back no questions asked, dose anyone elses sees what is wrong here?...

I think your making a mistake here, yes they get their money back and a fine, but only if they can prove that it was legal. This small fine and confiscation is punishment for bringing in money.

 

There is an other fine and punishment if that money is not legally earned. So its not an easy way to launder money otherwise people would have used it. 

 

Its a multi step process.. if legal money but undeclared .. fine + waiting 90 days.. if undeclared and illegal money.. there will be other punishment.

That’s a lot of sumtom....

Way beyond time for an Unexplained Wealth Order in this country. It would, however, 'inconvenience' the wrong class and hence it will never happen.

I wonder if she ran massage parlors in an EU member state and was bringing her "earnings" back home - for gold, buffaloes, motorbikes, cars and houses!!