Police are cracking down on illegal land sales to the Chinese

7 July 2023 at 05:00 in Chiang Mai Police have begun legal prosecution of 13 organizations, including four Chinese and six Thais, for breaking the law while operating a residential complex in Chiang Mai, said Deputy National Police Chief Police General Surachet Hakparn.

He said the move was taken after Chiang Mai police and immigration officers inspected a residential complex of more than 22 rai in Hang Dong District. They found that the land was owned by two companies that listed Thai nationals as directors, although they had no authority to run the business, Police Gen. Surachet said, adding that the companies were allegedly used to hold shares on behalf of the real Chinese owners. "The companies were set up to hold the land [on behalf of Chinese suspects]," he said. "Companies run by Chinese then sold long-term leases to Chinese nationals. "

He also said that Chiang Mae police and immigration officers have gathered evidence and filed a complaint with Hang Dong police to take legal action against 13 organizations including three companies, four Chinese - one of whom is wanted - and six Thai nationals.

Police Gen.

Surachet also said authorities had previously investigated another apartment complex in San Kamphaeng district that was run by a company that authorities suspect of acting on behalf of Chinese nationals. In that case, eight suspects were charged. The case is now being heard by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court, he added, noting that authorities will look into the cash flow from land sales in both cases and return plots that were illegally transferred to foreigners. "In both residential complexes, Thai nominees are acting on behalf of foreigners," said Police Gen. Surachet, adding that assets derived from money laundering would be seized.