Scam bases drawn to economic zones

Economic zones in the East have the potential to be a hub for money laundering, says a study from a Chiang Mai University academic who found ease-of-doing-business rules, introduced to attract foreign investment, could turn into a legal loophole.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

During a recent regional media workshop hosted by investigative news outlet ThaiPublica and the US Consulate General Chiang Mai, Tossapon Tassanapan, a lecturer at the faculty of law, Chiang Mai University, said transnational criminal networks have turned to Thailand as a safe haven following recent crackdowns in Myanmar and Cambodia.

Despite the crackdowns, as well as an increasing number of arrests by Thai police as the government cracks down on transnational crime, Mr Tossapon said dangers remain.

Everyday business transactions, especially by property dealers, charity managers, financial institutions and law firms, can provide opportunities for transnational criminals to operate under the radar, especially in areas where these transactions are concentrated like Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), he said.