Pictures  courtesy of Khaosod

Immigration police in Chiang Mai have arrested two Chinese nationals and a Thai woman accused of illegally operating a hotel through a nominee arrangement, authorities said on 16 January 2026. The arrests highlight intensified enforcement against foreign-controlled businesses operating outside Thai law, particularly in the tourism sector. A fourth suspect, a Chinese woman, remains at large after fleeing the country.

Officers from Chiang Mai Immigration executed court warrants at a four-star hotel on Chang Klan Road in the city centre. The suspects arrested were two Chinese investors, identified as Mr. Ma and Mr. Mi and a Thai woman, Ms. Jin, who allegedly acted as a nominee shareholder and manager. Each faces multiple charges related to illegal business operation and nominee arrangements.

Police said a fourth suspect, Ms. Ma, the Chinese wife of one of the investors, left Thailand for China before the arrests. She is still being sought by authorities. Investigators believe she played a role in handling financial proceeds from the hotel.

According to Pol. Lt. Col. Sutheethep Phonruenimit, an immigration inspector leading the operation, the investigation began in August 2025. Evidence indicated that despite changes in registered management, effective control of the 22-room hotel remained with the Chinese investors. Thai law restricts foreign ownership and operation of certain types of businesses, including hotels of this nature.

Investigators said Ms. Jin held a 55.56% share in the company, while Mr. Ma and Mr. Mi each held 22.22%. The total registered investment was 4.5 million baht. Authorities allege the shareholding structure was used to conceal foreign control.

Financial records showed the hotel income funds, from both direct customers and travel agencies, were transferred to the bank account of Ms. Ma, supporting allegations of a nominee arrangement. This financial trail formed a key part of the evidence submitted to the court.

A formal complaint was lodged with Chiang Mai City police on 14 November 2025. After collecting witness statements, corporate documents and banking records, the Chiang Mai Provincial Court issued arrest warrants on 8 January 2026. The arrests followed shortly afterwards.

Maj. Gen. Sarawut Khon Yai, commander of Immigration Division 5, said similar violations were widespread in tourism-related businesses. He warned Thai nationals against acting as nominees and urged foreign investors to comply with Thai law. “If foreigners want to do business in Thailand under the law, the country welcomes them,” he said, adding that nominee schemes cause money to flow out of Thailand and breach laws reserving certain occupations for Thai citizens.

Khoasod reported that in a separate case the same day, immigration officers arrested a Japanese man for working without a permit. He was found selling homemade matcha ice cream outside a temple in Hai Ya subdistrict after social media posts drew official attention. The man, staying on a non-immigrant O visa based on marriage, admitted he had no work permit and was handed over to Chiang Mai City police for legal proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• Immigration police arrested three suspects over an alleged illegal nominee-run hotel in Chiang Mai.

• Investigators traced hotel revenues to a Chinese national now at large.

• Authorities say similar nominee violations are common in the tourism sector and warn of stricter enforcement.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-17

 

 

More Chinese engaged in illegal activities? Is anyone surprised?

Just look at the Chinese construction companies operating in Thailand.