Foreigners can only operate businesses in Thailand in partnership with a Thai national, with ownership capped at 49% to safeguard local interests. The defendants provided services for foreigners to obtain work permits through nominee companies.
Nearly 100 foreigners, including 68 Russians, are facing charges for operating without permits, along with 37 Thai accomplices. The network, active since 2016, saw an influx of customers post-Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Phuket, a Russian-favorite tourist spot, saw a surge in company registrations under Russian names.
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