Deputy Interior Minister Pol.Pheer sets a 7-day deadline for progress in the Chinese nominee capital case in Huai Khwang, assuring no leniency for any involved officials. He also hinted that within 1-2 weeks, major news will emerge about dismantling a foreigner ID card issuance ring in the area.
At 12:40 p.m. on 11 August 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Pol.Pheer Suwanchawi, Deputy Minister of the Interior. Deputy Interior Minister Pol.Pheer, accompanied by Police Major General Paisan Wongwatchramongkol, Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, and a special task force from the Department of Provincial Administration, met with Pol.Col. Sornsak Thongmee, Superintendent of Huai Khwang Police Station, and investigators. This followed a mysterious phone call to a hotel during a raid, in which a recorded conversation revealed extortion payments to local power holders amid an integrated operation to dismantle the Chinese grey capital and nominee networks in Huai Khwang.
Pol.Pheer described recent inspections of nominee hotel operators in Huai Khwang on Sunday, 9 August. During the visit, he spoke with 'Mr. Po,' who claimed to manage operators in the area and sought to negotiate. Consequently, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration filed a complaint the previous day, submitting recorded conversations detailing payment arrangements—whether monthly or only when issues arose. The inspection involved the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Labour, the Department of Special Investigation, and local police. Pol.Pheer played the phone recordings for all agencies to identify implicated parties and clarify which agencies were involved, including his own.
Initial checks found the hotel was not registered with the Ministry of Commerce, foreign workers were not reported to the Ministry of Labour, and it is believed that the entire Huai Khwang road may be affected. Complaints have come from residents and MPs of the People’s Party. Investigations aim to protect the rights of Thai entrepreneurs who pay taxes lawfully, preventing foreigners from infringing on benefits rightfully belonging to Thais, including land possession.
Asked why the Ministry of Interior is only now acting on a long-standing nominee business issue, Pol.Pheer responded: “I have only served as Deputy Minister of the Interior for three months and do not know how previous officials handled this issue. I prefer not to delve into past matters, but now that I oversee this, I must take action. For instance, the phone conversation with Mr. Po mentioned agencies including the police. I have forwarded this to Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner-General, for internal investigation.”
Regarding Chinese and foreign capital often facilitated by government officials, law firms, and accounting companies, Pol.Pheer said Thai individuals certainly assist. Private accounting firms collaborate with legal firms to aid foreign investors. Whether officials are involved remains unconfirmed, but anyone implicated will face legal action.
The inspections are not limited to Huai Khwang; Pol.Pheer wants to understand the entire network, including accounting firms, law firms, and real estate companies involved. Anyone connected to authorities will be prosecuted without exception. Foreign entrepreneurs granted Thai citizenship will be scrutinized for illicit financial flows or scam money; assets can be seized if such connections exist. If foreigners without Thai citizenship conduct illegal business and transfer money abroad, tracking is difficult unless they acquire Thai citizenship, which facilitates investigations. "In that case, we can look forward to thorough enforcement," he added.
Regarding information provided to Huai Khwang Police Station, Pol.Pheer requested updates within 7 days. Concerning phone conversations mentioning 'Huai Khwang,' whether related to the police station or district office, he said the Huai Khwang District Director has already held meetings on the matter. He will coordinate with Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit (Interior Ministry No.4) to liaise with the Bangkok Governor to handle related actions.
Pol.Pheer emphasized accountability, noting that the evidence clearly suggests suspected illegal activities. He vowed not to let the matter go until those involved are identified. He concluded: Entertainment venues in the RCA area are among the top 10 sites planned for inspection, though the timing is not yet determined. He hinted that within 1-2 weeks there will be major news about dismantling a foreigner ID card issuance ring, urging the public to stay tuned for details on where and how this will unfold.
