Govt urged to step up curbs on proxies

Ombudsman Somsak Saicheua has called on the government to impose stricter penalties on foreign proxy businesses in Thailand, warning their growing presence across various sectors is undermining economic opportunities in the country.

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Mr Somsak said the Office of the Ombudsman found such businesses to be rampant across 10 sectors, including transport, retail, online businesses, real estate, agriculture and construction.

Many of these businesses, which exist in the form of restaurants, durian orchards and construction businesses, can jeopardise national security by acting as money-laundering outlets, and take away job opportunities for Thais, he said.

In January, the office submitted recommendations to the cabinet, citing the lack of specific laws and dedicated agencies to stamp out proxy activities.