Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister Polphir Suwanchawee led a raid on suspected nominee businesses and unlicensed hotels in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district on 9 August 2026. During the operation, an operator allegedly telephoned officials to seek a "settlement", claiming that payments were made in instalments to officials connected with several entertainment venues in the area. The raid, named "Integrated Huai Khwang", involved the Department of Provincial Administration's special operations team, Immigration Bureau, Department of Business Development, Department of Employment and Department of Special Investigation. It was carried out under Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's "Mahadthai Tam Thanthi Action 5 PLUS" policy. Concerns over licences, buildings and safety Officials carried out spot checks at hotels and other businesses after receiving complaints and information from local residents. They identified possible unlicensed operations, potentially unlawful construction or building alterations, and concerns over building safety systems. Polphir said inspections at one target hotel had raised questions about fire escapes, emergency exits and fire-prevention systems. Such shortcomings could put guests at risk in an emergency. Labour checks also found illegal foreign workers at the locations inspected, as well as people working in occupations reserved for Thai nationals. Shareholding structure under investigation Investigators found possible nominee arrangements in the shareholding structures of some businesses. In one case, a Chinese national held 49% while his Thai wife held 51%. However, during questioning, the Thai woman named as shareholder reportedly did not know details of share payments, the company's formation or its management. Officials also found information pointing to an accounting firm and law office that may be connected, and said the inquiry would be widened. Polphir has instructed the Department of Provincial Administration to identify the caller through telephone records and to examine two or three people named as officials from various agencies. He said the caller had referred not only to Huai Khwang district officials but also Immigration Bureau officers, and claimed payments were already made in instalments at multiple venues. If public officials are found to have received benefits, he said they would face disciplinary and criminal action. Land, payments and online gambling links The Land Department has also been asked to check property ownership and land holdings linked to the group. If land is found to have been held through nominees or in breach of the law, officials said they would pursue revocation of rights and compulsory disposal procedures. Investigators will also follow financial trails after finding some QR codes linked to online gambling websites, payments not entering Thai bank accounts, and foreign food-delivery platforms requiring further checks on registration and tax. Polphir said checks would extend beyond Huai Khwang and Bangkok, using complaints, online platforms and financial trails to investigate suspicious businesses nationwide. He said foreign capital, nominees, brokers, law firms and officials would all face the same legal process where evidence showed involvement. Picture courtesy of Matichon Join the discussion? 10 August 2026
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