Chinese illicit influence scandals in Thailand

[webfact]

 

Author: Greg Raymond, ANU

 

Two scandals converged in November 2022 in Thailand, forming a perfect storm that threatens the government party Phalang Pracharat’s already shaky prospects at the upcoming 2023 national election. The scandals have also illuminated a growing problem that has remained largely out of Thai news headlines in recent years — the nexus between Chinese capital, crime and Thai politicians.

The government was forced to back down on a proposal that intended to increase foreign investment by lifting Thailand’s longstanding prohibition on foreigners owning land. A united front opposed to the measure, including fellow Phalang Pracharat member Pareena Kraikupt, deployed one of the most potent rhetorical weapons in Thailand’s political arsenal — that of khai chat or selling out the nation.

 

Thai police also announced they had conducted raids in Bangkok and arrested a Chinese national who was using fake Thai identity cards and in possession of cash, luxury cars and property titles. This converged precisely with an objection that opponents of the land sale reform measure had raised —that relaxed laws could increase the flow of Chinese ‘grey money’ (thun chin sithao) into Thailand. ‘Grey money’ refers to proceeds from criminal enterprises — including drugs and gambling — laundered through purchases of real estate.

 

Full story: https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2022/12/24/chinese-illicit-influence-scandals-in-thailand/

 

-- © Copyright EAST ASIA FORUM 2022-12-24

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

[pegman]

Happening in many places.  In Vancouver Chinese nationals were/are laundering money through casinos. Their purchasing of real estate has completely distorted the market.

[2baht]

Bow to the Emperor!

[daveAustin]

A few corrupt Chinese, let’s throw them all out eh! Not my favourite martians and this tripe needs to stop, but I do believe the Thai police’s efforts would be better sever policing its own. 

[mikeymike100]

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

A few corrupt Chinese, let’s throw them all out eh! Not my favourite martians and this tripe needs to stop, but I do believe the Thai police’s efforts would be better sever policing its own. 

Problem is, is it just a few?

Last few weeks on AN alone there have been around a dozen reports of Chinese mafia/gangsters posing as businessmen? Of course some of the RTP were no doubt involved, but i think its considerably more than a few? They are into illegal casinos, ED visas, property etc

[John Drake]

Hope readers click on the link for the full story. It's brief but devastating. 

[topt]

15 minutes ago, John Drake said:

Hope readers click on the link for the full story. It's brief but devastating. 

Yes worth a read.

However I was curious that it mentions a specific government document warning about the issue in 1992 but then jumps to 2020 for the next reference. I know the Thai's like to sleep ..............

[zzaa09]

3 hours ago, John Drake said:

Hope readers click on the link for the full story. It's brief but devastating. 

By way of a very Eurocentric and historically anti-China think tank. 

Might we expect anything less?

Plays quite nicely and predictably among most members here. 

[Aussieroaming]

Actually Thailand should force the Chinese to buy properties in the capital as a means of punishment.

Not so much as laundering money but more like throwing it down the gurgler. 

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Problem is, is it just a few?

Last few weeks on AN alone there have been around a dozen reports of Chinese mafia/gangsters posing as businessmen? Of course some of the RTP were no doubt involved, but i think its considerably more than a few? They are into illegal casinos, ED visas, property etc

Laos, Cambodia have both sold out to the Chinese, just as many other nations have found-out to their cost.

Thailand has long been joined at the hip with China, with long established Chinese families firmly embedded in Thailand.

Rogue Chinese will enter and corrupt at every level, and there are Thais at all levels who will happily pave the way for a fee.