South Korean influencer sparks concern regarding Thai work permit

[snoop1130]

 

The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) is being urged to investigate the activities of South Korean Internet celebrity Ji Gamin. Concerns focus on whether Ji operated within legal parameters during her time in Thailand, including work authorisation and tax compliance.

 

Songchai Niamhom, who leads the Prachapak Phithak Sathaban group, formally submitted a complaint to Major General Phutthidet Boonkrapue, head of the ECD yesterday, November 26. The complaint outlines four specific areas of concern regarding the South Korean influencer’s presence and activities in Thailand.

 

The first point of investigation involves allegations that Ji entered Thailand using an incorrect type of passport, possibly to evade obtaining a Non-Immigrant “B” visa, which is required for individuals intending to work in the country. Questions have been raised about whether the influencer has been performing work on an expired or non-existent work permit, casting doubt over the legitimacy of her professional activities in Thailand.

 

Further scrutiny is requested to ascertain whether South Korean nationals have adhered to tax regulations in Thailand. If found in violation, this could have serious implications, not only for the influencer but also for the entities employing or collaborating with her.

 

“The intention behind submitting this letter is to request that the ECD thoroughly investigates Ji’s activities to ensure they are compliant with Thai law, particularly concerning her entry into Thailand, work authorisation, and income tax declarations.”

 

 

The concerns raised by Songchai and his group highlight the broader issue of compliance with Thai immigration and employment laws by foreign nationals. This is not an isolated case, as Thailand has become a popular destination for foreign influencers and celebrities seeking to expand their reach in Southeast Asian markets.

 

This rise in popularity, however, also demands stricter enforcement of legal requirements to ensure that all individuals are operating fairly and within legal constraints, said Songchai.

 

“In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of foreign nationals working in Thailand, especially in the entertainment and social media sectors. We must uphold our laws to maintain fairness and legality in the job market.”

 

Ji has not publicly responded to the allegations or the ongoing investigation as of yet. The South Korean influencer’s social media platforms, which boast a significant following, remain active but do not currently address the situation.

 

In the coming days, it is expected that the ECD will conduct a thorough investigation into the claims made in the submitted letter. This will involve examining Ji’s visa status, work permits, and any tax records or declarations made during her stay in Thailand, reported KhaoSod.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of Ji Gamin IG via KhaoSod

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-11-27

 

 

[JoePai]

Maybe this Singingchai should wind their neck in ?

[Ralf001]

What was she influencing ?

[scorecard]

16 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

What was she influencing ?

 

Guess - anything at all that other folks can be fooled with and which will bring cash into her pocket. 

 

In a nutshell that's what 'influencing' is. 

[Tropicalevo]

This could become interesting seeing as TAT is actively 'recruiting' foreign influencers in order to promote Thailand overseas.

[ikke1959]

She is not Lisa....... so no tax payment and not allowed  now... just to promote tourism is even pulled down 

[BangkokReady]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Songchai Niamhom, who leads the Prachapak Phithak Sathaban group, formally submitted a complaint to Major General Phutthidet Boonkrapue, head of the ECD yesterday, November 26. The complaint outlines four specific areas of concern regarding the South Korean influencer’s presence and activities in Thailand.

 

Just imagine if these people worried as much about the far worse things that Thais do in Thailand...  🙄

[Lorry]

I wouldn't mind if all those YouTubers shut up.

Had to endure a conversation this morning,  about how fascinating Msphere is on YouTube - must see!

 

[ukrules]

3 hours ago, Lorry said:

I wouldn't mind if all those YouTubers shut up.

 

This will make sure they do, especially if they somehow turn the tables on youtube itself.

 

They (Youtube)  will ban any content about the entire country 😂

Edited 12 hours ago by ukrules

[bigt3116]

12 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

This could become interesting seeing as TAT is actively 'recruiting' foreign influencers in order to promote Thailand overseas.

 

How and where are they doing this?

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In the coming days, it is expected that the ECD will conduct a thorough investigation into the claims made in the submitted letter. This will involve examining Ji’s visa status, work permits, and any tax records or declarations made during her stay in Thailand,

Digital nomads and influencers look-out... you can't come here and make money without paying your dues.

[thesetat2013]

Influencers make money on their podcasts. So they should be required to have the work permit and pay taxes on income made in Thailand. It is their work. Make no mistake. If Thailand can catch every one of them doing this and profiting and force them to pay. perhaps the internet will have less influencers which (in my opinion) is a good thing. 

[Artisi]

13 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

 

Just imagine if these people worried as much about the far worse things that Thais do in Thailand...  🙄

But all Thai's are as pure as  virgin snow, therefore there's nothing to worry about - it's only the nasty mean foreigner who come to Thailand that cause any problem. 

[john donson]

influence who? weak minded woke people who need to be told what crap they really have to buy?

Edited 6 hours ago by john donson

[Straight-Beginning98]

Thai authorities like to shoot themselves in the foot. The so-called soft power that Thailand is trying to emulate predominantly relies on generosity, good faith, an open and accepting mind. This kind of ridiculous witch hunts send the opposite message. Bad vibe...

[PremiumLane]

It's almost like the rules around work permits are antiquated... go figure 

[motdaeng]

if they have some spare time, they should also look into khun tony woodsame's illegal activities ... 

[phetphet]

Soon...Entertainment and influencer type jobs in Thailand will be limited to only Thai nationals.

 

Bring on the drum bangs, whoops and whistles.

[Rolo89]

53 minutes ago, Straight-Beginning98 said:

Thai authorities like to shoot themselves in the foot. The so-called soft power that Thailand is trying to emulate predominantly relies on generosity, good faith, an open and accepting mind. This kind of ridiculous witch hunts send the opposite message. Bad vibe...

 

I think she's got in trouble with working for Thai brands and companies while in Thailand. That's very much a grey area that the rules aren't clear on - especially for something as loosely defined as an influencer.

 

Quite different to a digital nomad who works in Thailand and has no business with any Thai entities. 

[scorecard]

20 hours ago, scorecard said:

 

Guess - anything at all that other folks can be fooled with and which will bring cash into her pocket. 

 

In a nutshell that's what 'influencing' is. 

 

To be honest I am quite negative about this 'profession'.

 

My Thai son's wife is easy pray for influencers who easily convince her to buy many things. She's obviously an easy target and gets calls "I have new brand of cosmetics, beautiful bottles / jars and I'm holding the sales so you can be first, etc. She buys instantly.

 

Some years back my son got tired of being asked for more and moe cash every month. He sat his wife down and politely insisted she tell him details of how she uses her money every month.

 

Two health insurance policies came to light, both for her elderly mother, both way beyond being appropriate (8,000Baht daily limit for a private hospital room, and more).

 

Also, son's wife had made several claims (handed to the seller / influencer). Son spoke to the seller who under pressure admitted that she had never forwarded the claims to the company. Seller was son's wife's best friend at high school.

 

Son also asked for copies of the policies etc. His wife had none. Seller insisted that by Thai law customer are not allowed to have copies of insurance documents. Checking monthly premium payments revealed many payments had never been forwarded to the company.

 

Son confronted the seller who insisted that she was doing everything legally. Son left the room and seller abused sons' wife 'how dare you, my best friend' the company is now investigating me and I will probably have to refund some commissions I have received.

 

Son heard all this from the bedroom. Son then revealed he had been speaking to a manager at the insurance company which had revealed the seller had been dismissed many months earlier. Health policies for son's wife had been cancelled (by the seller) some one year earlier.

 

Company did refund some money to son's wife. Son then told his wife she was prohibited from spending one Baht on anything without his written approval. Wife then realized she had been very childish.

 

Son kept up the approval to spend for a few months then dropped it. Wife had learned her lesson. Son went with his wife to visit her mother to check what health insurance would be appropriate and they took a policy (different insurance company). 

 

Son still monitors the policy.

 

Wife now only buys cosmetics from Robinsons / Central festival, and requests that my son go with her. 

[FritsSikkink]

Here a fine example of the amount of crap some of them do: Controversial American live-streamer faces prison in South Korea for offensive behavior