Countering illegal business of foreigners
Recently, Thai law enforcement agencies have significantly increased their scrutiny of foreign nationals conducting business operations on the popular resort island of Phuket. Close attention has been paid to vehicle rental companies, which are reportedly able to use nominee co-owners to circumvent legal restrictions.
Under a recently launched campaign led by Region 8 police chief Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomjit, large-scale vehicle seizure raids are being conducted. Over a hundred vehicles were reportedly seized during one such event. According to Gen. Surapong, five large rental firms with a combined fleet of over a thousand vehicles are at the center of the investigation. Police suspect that these companies used relatives and acquaintances to nominally register their businesses and later transferred controlling stakes to them, violating legal limits on foreign ownership.
Tough action against lawbreakers
Lt. Gen. Surapong noted that in the past six months alone, 614 foreign nationals have been detained in Phuket, 98 of whom were deported for committing various offenses. He emphasized that law enforcers are vigorously cracking down on any illegal activities of foreigners in the province.
The campaign was triggered by a wave of accusations on social media against Phuket authorities. Users blamed the provincial administration for ingratitude and favoring the interests of foreign tourists over the indigenous Thai population. Particularly displeasing was the evidence of the hostile attitude of some businesses, including those owned by Russian citizens, towards local customers.
Protection of the rights of the indigenous population
In response to these claims, law enforcement officials have paid close attention to companies suspected of violating the rights of local residents and discriminating on the basis of nationality. In addition, the police intend to crack down on any illegal activities by foreigners that infringe on the interests of Thai citizens.
Phuket Governor Roman Phetplang assured the public that the welfare of the indigenous population is an absolute priority for the authorities. He emphasized that if the facts of discrimination are confirmed, the guilty companies will be severely punished in strict accordance with the letter of the law.
Thus, Thai law enforcement authorities are taking decisive steps to ensure the protection of the rights of the indigenous people of Phuket and to stop any attempts by foreigners to violate local laws to the detriment of the Thai people. The raids against illegal car rentals were the first significant step in this direction.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
