June 1, 20242 yr From The Thaiger hai police dismantled a sprawling network that illegally enabled foreigners, predominantly Russians, to secure long-term stays in Thailand through deceptive company setups. This elaborate scheme, orchestrated by a 45 year old Russian woman and her Thai accomplice, has rocked the idyllic province of Phuket. Police revealed that the Russian mastermind arrived in Thailand in 2012 and, alongside a Thai woman, facilitated the registration of over 270 shell companies. These companies were fronts to sidestep Thai laws that limit foreign businessownership to 49%, a rule designed to safeguard local competition. Puttidej Bunkrapue, commander of the police Economic Crime Suppression Division explained that foreigners can operate a business in Thailand, but it must be a joint venture with a Thai partner. Through this illicit service, foreigners were either listed as shareholders or employed by these shell entities, securing them work permits and long-term residency. Authorities suspect the operation has been running since 2016 but noted a surge in clientele following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Chief investigator Krit Woratat confirmed that at least 50 foreigners had been officially charged by yesterday. Phuket, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, has seen a marked influx of Russian tourists and expatriates. From 2019 to early 2024, over 90,000 Russians visited the province, reported Thai PBS World. The number of companies registered under Russian names skyrocketed to over 1,600 from 2023 to early 2024, a dramatic increase compared to the annual average of 30 companies between 2016 and 2022.
June 1, 20242 yr 5 hours ago, reader said: From 2019 to early 2024, over 90,000 Russians visited the province, reported Thai PBS World. This is what “facts” look like from “journalists” with flea market qualifications... Only in 2023 There were almost 800,000 visits to TH from RU, more than half of them visited Phuket
June 1, 20242 yr 2 hours ago, vinapu said: Perhaps reader meant 90000 involved in visa scam 90000 in 270 companies means 333 persons per company. Can you imagine how much taxes should be paid by 270 companies with 90000 staff "since 2012"? And what did Thai Tax Burau all these 12 years? Flee market journalism is more simple explanation of "90000 visits".
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