Officials Crack Down on Unauthorized Chinese Influencers in Bangkok

[snoop1130]

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The action followed authorities being alerted to Chinese nationals live-streaming sales of products in Bangkok’s Prawet district, leading to an inspection that revealed the products sold were of low quality, lacked Thai labels, and did not have the approval from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

Puangpet Chunlaiad, Minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister, instructed the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and related agencies to investigate the case.

 

Investigations found that the influencers operated from a three-story building in the district, conducting import-export business of undergarments and various products.

 

During the inspection, officials separated 17 Chinese nationals, tourists, and two Chinese influencers who were live-streaming. Upon checking all passports, it was discovered that the influencers entered as tourists and were charged with working without a permit.

 

Seized items included cosmetics, toothpaste, herbal patches, and more, which the FDA officials found unregistered and lacking Thai labels, leading to the confiscation of all items.

 

A public health product standards expert revealed that about ten types of seized products, including herbal products and cosmetics, were unregistered with the FDA and lacked Thai labels, resulting in their seizure and legal action. Other products are also under inspection.

 

By Naark Rojanasuvan

 

Source: NNT 2024-03-14

 

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[freeworld]

Influencing whilst in Thailand requires a work permit.

Edited March 14 by freeworld

[ikke1959]

You need a work permit for everything in Thailand...

[soi3eddie]

Is "Influencer" a reserved Thai only occupation? 

 

[mstevens]

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

You need a work permit for everything in Thailand...

 

It keeps things easy for the Thais - don't like what a foreigner is doing, simply play the no work permit game with them and Thailand wins every time.

 

Given that it seems there are new YouTubers / influencers starting up channels all the time, I wonder whether they will take a wider look at foreigners with a YouTube presence in Thailand? Very easy to catch them given that most love nothing more than pointing the camera at themselves. Evidence aplenty. "You make video in Thailand! Where work permit you?!"

[NoDisplayName]

8 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Investigations found that the influencers operated from a three-story building in the district, conducting import-export business of undergarments and various products.

 

8 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

ten types of seized products, including herbal products and cosmetics, were unregistered with the FDA and lacked Thai labels, resulting in their seizure and legal action. 

 

Other products are also under inspection.

 

Underpants gnomes strike again.

[drgoon]

Send them back to the cabbage fields

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, freeworld said:

Influencing whilst in Thailand requires a work permit.

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Investigations found that the influencers operated from a three-story building in the district, conducting import-export business of undergarments and various products.

If they were selling items then yes... they are considered working.

[Purdey]

Are there any countries that allow you to work without a work permit? 

Just thinking that I don't know of any, which doesn't mean there aren't any. 

[Srikcir]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

 

If they were selling items then yes... they are considered working.

If they facilitate from Thailand the sales through an export/import supply chain, they would be working. I don't think they have to be actual sales people.

[sqwakvfr]

11 hours ago, mstevens said:

 

It keeps things easy for the Thais - don't like what a foreigner is doing, simply play the no work permit game with them and Thailand wins every time.

 

Given that it seems there are new YouTubers / influencers starting up channels all the time, I wonder whether they will take a wider look at foreigners with a YouTube presence in Thailand? Very easy to catch them given that most love nothing more than pointing the camera at themselves. Evidence aplenty. "You make video in Thailand! Where work permit you?!"

Only if it makes LOS look bad. 

[Srikcir]

2 hours ago, Purdey said:

Are there any countries that allow you to work without a work permit? 

Just thinking that I don't know of any, which doesn't mean there aren't any. 

"What are the legal requirements for starting a business in the U.S.? Foreign entrepreneurs must register their business with the state in which they plan to operate, obtain a business license, and register for state and local taxes. Depending on the industry, additional permits and licenses may be required." https://www.immi-usa.com/how-to-start-a-business-in-usa/

While not a work permit per se such as in Thailand, there are regulatory controls that must be considered.

How foreign entrepreneurs are able to be in the US to conduct businesses would be an immigration issue.

[Purdey]

21 hours ago, Srikcir said:

"What are the legal requirements for starting a business in the U.S.? Foreign entrepreneurs must register their business with the state in which they plan to operate, obtain a business license, and register for state and local taxes. Depending on the industry, additional permits and licenses may be required." https://www.immi-usa.com/how-to-start-a-business-in-usa/

While not a work permit per se such as in Thailand, there are regulatory controls that must be considered.

How foreign entrepreneurs are able to be in the US to conduct businesses would be an immigration issue.

Thanks.