Villagers’ ID Documents Allegedly Used to Set Up Dozens of Chinese-Own

Villagers’ ID Documents Allegedly Used to Set Up Dozens of Chinese-Owned Companies

Thailand’s Department of Business Development has uncovered a suspected nominee operation in Sakon Nakhon following inspections of company registrations across four districts. Officials identified 35 companies with entirely Chinese shareholders and another 14 Thai-owned firms that are now being examined for possible nominee arrangements. A local broker allegedly paid villagers between 500 and 1,000 baht for copies of their ID cards and house registrations before passing the documents to Chinese investors for 1,500 baht per set. Residents said they were told their documents would be used for an online business and were unaware they were being connected to limited companies, while inspections found no actual offices or business activity at the registered addresses. Homeowners have been encouraged to file police complaints, and authorities say similar checks will be expanded to company registrations elsewhere in Thailand.