Proxy companies probe expands into Northeast

The Interior Ministry has expanded its investigation into foreign-owned proxy companies to the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon, according to Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee. An initial probe has identified 53 suspect companies in four of the province's 18 districts, which are believed to be illegally owned by foreigners. However, Polapee did not disclose the names of the districts or the companies.

The investigation stems from complaints from about 50 local Thais who discovered that their ID card and house registration details had been misused to register companies, which were then sold to Chinese nationals. Many local residents were unaware that their identities had been stolen and used in this manner.

Provincial administrative and commerce officials have identified 53 suspect companies, with 43 of these being wholly owned by Chinese nationals. Polapee stated that the investigation will not stop at simply listing the companies; it will continue to identify the masterminds behind these operations, including the Chinese operators, their Thai accomplices, accounting firms, and law firms involved.

In Phuket, Rewat Areerop, president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, has proposed that the government stop providing health welfare benefits for migrant workers who give birth in Thai public hospitals. Areerop argued that pregnant migrant workers have been flocking to state hospitals in Phuket to give birth, which has impacted the availability of public health services for local Thais.

Local hospitals face limited resources, including a shortage of beds and medical staff. Areerop submitted his proposal to the Labour Minister, who has authority over migrant workers' welfare.