Crime Police Raid in 3 Provinces Uncovers Chinese Nominee Firm in Heavy Machinery Rental Scheme

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

In a coordinated operation across three provinces, police have raided the premises of a suspected Chinese nominee firm involved in the illicit rental of heavy machinery, uncovering a complex network of financial deception, nominee shareholders and suspected tax evasion.

 

Under the command of Pol Maj Gen Tasanapoom Jaruprachya, officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) executed court-approved search warrants on three sites: the company’s headquarters in Bangkok, a branch in Nava Nakorn, Ayutthaya Province and another in Rayong Province.

 

Authorities seized a large cache of documents including:

 

• A company registration certificate

• Stock inventory records

• Import and domestic lease documents

• Delivery and return slips for rental equipment

• Vehicle documentation

• Financial statements and auditor’s reports

• Six bank account books

• Nine company seals

 

Three individuals were taken into custody: Mr. Wei, a 38-year-old Chinese national, along with Ms. Punnada, 42 and Ms. Nattarada, 39, both Thai nationals. All face charges under the Foreign Business Act of 1999, which restricts foreign ownership and control of certain business sectors without proper authorisation.

 

According to police, the company operated by fronting Thai employees as directors and shareholders, while Chinese investors secretly controlled the business. The enterprise allegedly specialised in importing and leasing heavy machinery such as cranes and forklifts, which were advertised through social media platforms like Facebook.

 

Investigations revealed that the company functioned as a holding entity, with no real operational activities, yet was tied to a web of related firms sharing the same shareholder structure, board members and financial flows. The two Thai shareholders, both employed by the company, were found to have no active role in management and likely did not invest their own funds.

 

Authorities have traced over 50 million baht in investment capital transferred from Chinese financiers and discovered over 500 million baht in account transactions. Documentation linked the firm to more than 250 units of heavy machinery sourced both domestically and internationally.

 

Despite denying all allegations, the suspects have been handed over to investigators from the ECD’s 4th Subdivision for legal proceedings. Interviews with employees and Thai shareholders further confirmed that Chinese nationals were effectively managing the operation. Moreover, QR codes linked to employee accounts were reportedly used to receive rental payments, raising serious concerns about personal income tax evasion.

 

The investigation remains ongoing, with further scrutiny expected into related entities and individuals involved in the suspected nominee network.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-26

 

 

 

[thesetat]

I wonder when the police will take the time to investigate the businesses in Phuket and Pattaya to uncover all of the many many businesses opened with a Thai nominee. 

[ChrisY1]

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

I wonder when the police will take the time to investigate the businesses in Phuket and Pattaya to uncover all of the many many businesses opened with a Thai nominee. 

Oh...that would be difficult.....too much involved for our famous boys in brown to go there!

[JimHuaHin]

Every day, almost the same story appears - only the details change.

 

Is there anything in Thailand that the Chinese do not control?