Thai authorities have raided and shut down an online wholesale store selling Myanmar products in Thailand’s Surat Thani district, according to AAC Ko Ye Min, a Myanmar affairs activist based in Thailand. The incident, which occurred on March 3rd, involved a raid on an online shopping business run by a Mon woman who is married to a Thai national. The operation was part of Thailand’s ongoing efforts to regulate unauthorized business activities by foreign nationals.
According to Ko Ye Min, operating a business selling Myanmar products in Thailand requires not only a sales license but also specific financial permits. The authorities regularly verify whether proper customs duties have been paid when importing goods from Myanmar. Additionally, there are 27 restricted occupations for Myanmar nationals in Thailand, many of which include various types of trading activities. The legal framework in Thailand allows authorities to conduct enforcement actions even against businesses with basic trading licenses if they lack the required financial permits and documentation.
The current economic downturn in Thailand has reportedly led to increased scrutiny of Myanmar nationals’ business activities. There has been growing discontent among Thai citizens, particularly regarding displays of wealth by some Myanmar nationals on social media platforms, such as purchases of gold and vehicles. This situation may lead to stricter enforcement measures against Myanmar nationals’ business operations in the future. Recent weeks have seen intensified efforts by Thai authorities to investigate and take action against unauthorized business ventures operated by Myanmar nationals, with a particular focus on ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and permit requirements.
