Prachin Buri chemical leak puts two firms’ ownership under scrutiny
Polapee plans financial checks after suspected nominee links emerge in a Prachin Buri chemical leak case and denies any Bhumjaithai involvement.
- The Interior Ministry suspects two companies in Prachin Buri, investigated after a chemical leak, are using Thai shareholders as illegal foreign nominees.
- Evidence for the suspicion includes cross-shareholdings between the firms by Thai nationals, the use of the same accounting firm, and unusually large increases in registered capital.
- The case is being referred to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to scrutinize the companies' financial transactions and land ownership.
- If the nominee arrangements are proven, authorities could force the sale of the land owned by the companies.
Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has raised concerns about suspected foreign nominee arrangements at two companies examined following a chemical leak in Thailand’s Prachin Buri province. Polapee plans to refer the case to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for scrutiny of financial transactions and land ownership.
Polapee said a day of field visits and information gathering had uncovered irregularities suggesting that Thai shareholders could be acting on behalf of foreign interests.
Polapee flags cross-shareholdings and capital increases
Thai shareholders bearing two surnames well known in Prachin Buri held shares across the two companies, according to Polapee. The companies also used the same accounting firm and auditor, he added.
Polapee described increases in the companies’ registered capital as unusual. One company’s capital had risen from 5 million baht to 100 million baht, while the other’s had increased from approximately 10 million baht to 300 million baht. Polapee also cited total assets valued at more than 570 million baht.
The proposed referral to AMLO would cover financial transactions and land ownership, Polapee said. If irregularities were established, authorities would pursue the compulsory sale of the land concerned.
Polapee urges factory closure and toxic waste removal
Polapee said he had contacted Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa to accelerate an order to close the factory and remove toxic waste from the area as quickly as possible.
Polapee also plans to work with the Finance Ministry, Customs Department and Revenue Department to examine container import procedures. Polapee said he believed almost all the chemical waste had been brought into Thailand improperly from overseas.
For residents and farmers affected by the leak, Polapee said he had instructed the deputy provincial governor to consider both civil and criminal action against the factory, arguing that compensation alone might be insufficient.
Polapee warned local residents to exercise caution over consuming fish and other aquatic animals, chickens or crops affected by chemically contaminated floodwater.
Polapee denies Bhumjaithai involvement
Asked whether the prominent surnames were connected to Bhumjaithai Party politicians, Polapee firmly denied any involvement.
“No, Bhumjaithai has no involvement. It is as clean as the white shirt I am wearing,” Polapee said.
Polapee insisted that anyone found to have broken the law must face equal treatment, regardless of identity. Polapee cited the prime minister’s instruction to “set aside the names and look at the conduct”, adding that the law must be enforced without exceptions.
Polapee said he expected to complete a report on the shareholdings and suspected nominee arrangements for submission to the prime minister within the week.
