CHIANG MAI: Police are pursuing legal action against 13 entities, including four Chinese nationals and six Thais, for operating a housing estate in violation of the law in Chiang Mai, deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said.
He said that the move came after Chiang Mai police and immigration officers inspected a housing estate covering more than 22 rai in Hang Dong district.
They found that the land is owned by two companies which list Thai citizens as their executives, even though they have no authority to run the business, Pol Gen Surachate said, adding the companies were allegedly used to hold shares on behalf of the real Chinese owners.
"The companies were set up for the purpose of holding land [on behalf of the Chinese suspects]," he said.
"The companies, which are run by Chinese nationals, would then sell long-term leaseholds to Chinese citizens."
He said that Chiang Mai police and immigration officers had gathered evidence and filed a complaint with Hang Dong police to take legal action against 13 entities, which comprise three companies, four Chinese nationals -- one of whom is on the run -- and six Thai citizens.
Pol Gen Surachate also said that authorities had previously investigated another housing estate in San Kamphaeng district, which is operated by a company that authorities suspect was acting as a nominee for Chinese nationals.
Prosecutors indicted eight suspects in the case. The case is now being tried by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court, he said, adding that authorities will examine the money trail from the land sales in both cases and reclaim plots which have been illegally transferred to foreigners.
"The two housing estates have Thai nominees operating on behalf of foreigners," Pol Gen Surachate said, adding assets acquired through money laundering will be seized.