The Department of Business Development (DoBD) has intensified its crackdown on nominee shareholding schemes and illicit financial activities, uncovering alleged links between several businesses in Huai Khwang district and online gambling networks.
Huai Khwang district has many Chinese-run businesses, mostly restaurants.
The operation targeted five businesses, including restaurants, shrimp-fishing ponds and a spa.
Authorities found suspected wrongdoing at three of the places.
The investigation focused on businesses considered at risk of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders on behalf of foreign investors, as well as potential violations involving money laundering and suspicious payment systems.
At a company which operates a shrimp-fishing pond, investigators found suspected promotional material linked to online gambling websites.
Authorities also examined a Chinese soup restaurant which was found to be associated with two companies.
Officials also found restaurant payments were being transferred directly into the personal bank account of a foreign director rather than a corporate account.
The business was also involved in promoting online gambling websites.
A third case involved a wellness and spa operator whose shareholders and directors are all Thai nationals.
During the inspection, authorities discovered another company operating on the third floor of the same building.
Foreign nationals operating businesses through nominees, as well as individuals who assist or allow their names to be used as proxy shareholders, face penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, fines ranging from 100,000 baht to 1 million baht, or both.
