Thailand always had the best of laws, they were just hardly ever enforced.

Lately, cracking down on nominee companies, new tax rules, stricter controls of money flows, etc.

Was there just too much abuse? Or is the laissez-faire Thailand systematically eradicated?

Edited May 8May 8 by heiri007

44 minutes ago, heiri007 said:

Was there just too much abuse? Or is the laissez-faire Thailand systematically eradicated?

I believe they have been infiltrated by WEF types who convinced them that tighter controls are the way forward.

... forgot the ever-growing visa hassles for many

On 5/8/2026 at 7:20 PM, johng said:

I believe they have been infiltrated by WEF types who convinced them that tighter controls are the way forward.

The elite realize the younger generation isn't going to support the current way things are done. The WEF just provides shiny cover for new methods of control, as well as a scapegoat, but they aren't to blame.

On 5/8/2026 at 6:32 PM, heiri007 said:

Thailand always had the best of laws, they were just hardly ever enforced.

Lately, cracking down on nominee companies, new tax rules, stricter controls of money flows, etc.

Was there just too much abuse? Or is the laissez-faire Thailand systematically eradicated?

To much Chinese/Korean/Cambodian abuse esp. with money flow.

All govt look for new tax revenue, and TH is no different. Has nothing to do with expats or foreigners, per se, as simply enforcing established laws across the board.

Nothing really new or a 'hassle', and all public record. Enlighten one's self, comply or avoid, UP2U.

TH is a choice, nobody forcing you to arrive or leave, just accept the rules & regulations. Flights leave every hour ... C'ya

Edited May 10May 10 by KhunLA

Governments after Prayut are all on board when the WEF agenda.

Now that there are more and more restrictions and taxes in the EU , people want to

get their money out to places like Thailand, so naturally Thailand

tries to restrict and tax that capital.

AI systems all have whitelists meaning that important people and criminal organizations avoid scrutiny.

This is more about the government cracking down on competing criminal organizations.

At least 10 percent of the Thai GDP is from nasty black market activity like meth and sex trafficking. They aren't going to let these AI systems stop that profit flow.

5 minutes ago, davb said:

AI systems all have whitelists meaning that important people and criminal organizations avoid scrutiny.

This is more about the government cracking down on competing criminal organizations.

At least 10 percent of the Thai GDP is from nasty black market activity like meth and sex trafficking. They aren't going to let these AI systems stop that profit flow.

Its that AND WEF.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra was named a WEF Young Global Leader in the 2025

3 minutes ago, Celsius said:

Its that AND WEF.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra was named a WEF Young Global Leader in the 2025

True, they seem to be zealots. The current Commerce Minister is also WEF and shows it.

I think a country with competing criminal organizations is safer than giving one of the gangs absolute financial control over the citizenry.

21 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Lately, cracking down on nominee companies, new tax rules, stricter controls of money flows, etc.

These changes are mostly targeted at foreign investors who use Thailand to get wealth out of their own countries - China, Russia, and even Myanmar. These are the folks buying entire floors of new-build condos. The rule changes impact normal expats, but we're not the target.

On 5/8/2026 at 6:32 PM, heiri007 said:

Thailand always had the best of laws, they were just hardly ever enforced.

Lately, cracking down on nominee companies, new tax rules, stricter controls of money flows, etc.

Was there just too much abuse? Or is the laissez-faire Thailand systematically eradicated?

Thailand wants to compete Globally with other Asean countries. Needs to comply with Global Banking regulations to avoid any monetary restrictions or struggles.

Thailand maybe on the currency manipulation watch list but wants a stable currency as do most countries.

I don't understand "cracking down" on Nominee businesses. There is structure and procedures a foreign owned business needs to comply with. The Nominee businesses who made the news seemed to lack actual Thai Ownership or meet Thai employment requirements.

The Tax rules probably changed or is now observed because of the amount of Foreign money earned by Thai people moving money into Thailand and not claiming it on taxes

On 5/8/2026 at 7:32 AM, heiri007 said:

Lately, cracking down on nominee companies, new tax rules, stricter controls of money flows

Yes, make it more difficult so only the HISO's have the control of money flow. They are most likely artificially keeping the baht stronger, especially with the fuel/gas/diesel situation...