Joint investigation underway following complaints against foreign businesses

BANGKOK, July 21 (TNA) - At least three government organisations will join hands in conducting an investigation on foreign businesses operating in Thailand whether they have violated Thai business law, said Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikua. An order has been given to the Ministry’s Business Development Department to cooperate with the Department of Special Investigation in accelerating an in-depth investigation on foreign businesses operating in the kingdom whether the foreign entrepreneurs are just nominee following complaints that several of them could be, said Mr. Nattawut. Investigation was earlier made on about 32,000 foreign businessmen based in six provinces while it was found that 844 of them could be guilty. Thorough investigation on 352 out of 844 businessmen will be conducted and legal action will be taken if they are found guilty. The investigation is under progress following complaints received by the Business Development Department from local businessmen in the southern resort of Phuket that many Russians and foreign businessmen are engaged in professions reserved for Thais only. Officials have found that there are 153 businesses operated by foreigners in Phuket of which 97 of them have either lowered their holdings or dissolved businesses. Authorities are probing on the rest of the enterprises, mostly engaged in tourism business. Mr. Nattawut said his ministry would invite officials at the Tourism and Sports Ministry to help solve the problem, aimed at protecting businesses run by the locals. (TNA)