A buzzworthy billboard promoting multinational passport and citizenship services in Chinese popped up at the Huai Khwang intersection recently, only to be hastily removed the following morning. (Photo: Pai Charudul Facebook account)
The Thai government is cracking down hard on illegal Chinese businesses after a certain company’s audacious billboard in Bangkok ignited a firestorm on social media. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin laid down the law during a visit to the Huai Khwang police station, where he was tackling issues like loansharking and drug trafficking. With the area being a hotspot for Chinese tourists and expats, Mr. Srettha also instructed authorities to ferret out any dubious Chinese enterprises operating there.
The controversy caught fire after Facebook user Pai Charudul posted a snapshot of the billboard on Sunday. In bold Chinese characters, the billboard touted rapid passport and citizenship services, promising emergency solutions and boasting of 100% legal operations. It even assured clients of privacy and upfront service before collecting any fees.
The flashy billboard featured images of Indonesian, Cambodian, Turkish, and Vanuatuan passports, each with its own price tag. A well-dressed man of Chinese descent holding a passport completed the eye-catching display. The ad boasted a global reach and 13 years of experience under the banner of Xin Xijia Group, overseen by a director named Chen Da Fa. Despite the big claims, a call to the local telephone number listed yielded no answers when Bangkok Post reporters tried to reach out.
Despite the uproar, Pol Maj Gen Panthana Nuchanart, deputy head of the Immigration Bureau (IB), stated that the billboard’s message was technically legal, as it wasn’t targeting Thai citizens. Instead, it advertised citizenship and passport services for other nationalities, he noted.
However, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul revealed that Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had ordered the billboard to be taken down the very next morning. He also launched an investigation into whether the billboard was legally erected and if the business operations were above board, with plans to share the findings publicly. “The government is keen on welcoming foreign visitors to boost economic inflow while ensuring a robust screening process to block criminals from misusing Thailand as a base,” Ms. Traisuree emphasized.
Paitoon Ngammuk, Huai Khwang district chief, confirmed that the billboard was dismantled at precisely 11:20 am the following day. His district office is currently verifying whether the billboard was legally posted, while his revenue team scrutinizes the tax payment records of the billboard’s structure owner.
Adding to the high-stakes drama, Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police Office, disclosed that national police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol had directed the Metropolitan Police Bureau to track down the billboard’s owner and ascertain its legality. “Wrongdoers will be prosecuted across all dimensions without delay,” the deputy spokesman asserted.
Pol Maj Gen Siriwat further mentioned that the national police chief had tasked the IB with inspecting visitors and expatriates to ensure strict adherence to immigration regulations, striking a balance between tourism and security.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the Move Forward Party, weighed in, arguing that the billboard tarnished the government’s reputation and sullied the country’s image. He expressed concerns that it might encourage transnational criminals to seek refuge in Thailand, evade arrest warrants by hopping through third-party countries, or even turn Thailand into a hub for Chinese criminals.
“Acts like these give transnational criminals the idea that they can lay low in Thailand, believing they can bribe officials to turn a blind eye to their activities,” Mr. Wiroj added, painting a grim picture of the potential repercussions.
The decision to remove the billboard is super hasty. It’s targeting non-Thai citizens, so why should it be an issue?
Because it promotes potentially illegal and shady business practices. We can’t have that kind of image!
But the services are for foreigners, not locals. Why should we be policing that?
Joe, it still affects the country’s reputation. If criminals are exploiting these services, it indirectly impacts Thailand.
It’s not just about who it targets, but what it represents and the legality of the ad space itself.
I agree with the Prime Minister’s decision. A billboard like that should not be allowed in such a prominent location.
Exactly, it gives the wrong impression to both locals and tourists. We need to maintain high standards.
It’s funny how fast they take down a billboard but are so slow with real issues like traffic and pollution.
Prioritization, my friend. Imaging is crucial in international relations.
But isn’t improving infrastructure part of that image, too? Focusing on the wrong things.
Exactly, Lynne R. It’s a distraction from the bigger problems.
Huge overreaction! The billboard wasn’t hurting anyone. Totally unnecessary!
Wiroj is right! Such billboards can tarnish our country’s image and encourage criminals.
Removing the billboard was the right move. We don’t need more Chinese investment if it comes with shady operations.
If it was technically legal, why did they rush to remove it? Sounds fishy to me.
Technical legality and ethical appropriateness are two different things.
Totally agree with Tommy. Just because something isn’t explicitly illegal doesn’t mean it’s right.
I’m against all forms of immigration control. Let people move freely!
This whole episode just shows how quick the Thai government is to bow to public pressure.
Sometimes public pressure is necessary for appropriate actions.
But should it lead to hasty, unconsidered decisions? That’s the real question.
The speed of the removal tells me there’s more going on behind the scenes.
Talk about a PR nightmare. The government had no choice but to act quickly.
It’s about maintaining control. The government can’t let foreign companies dictate public space indiscriminately.
Well said, Vincent. It’s about keeping the country’s interests at the forefront.
Given that it complied with existing laws, the removal seems like a knee-jerk reaction.
Maybe existing laws need to be updated to reflect contemporary concerns.
That’s a valid point, Mariam. Laws should evolve with societal needs.
Foreign investment is important, but it must be ethical and legal.
They should focus on ensuring transparency in government-business relations.
I hope this event leads to more stringent checks on foreign businesses. We need to protect our economy.
I don’t understand why people are making such a big deal out of a billboard. There are bigger problems in Thailand.
It’s not just a billboard; it’s a symptom of larger issues with regulation and oversight.
We should preserve our cultural sanctity. Billboards in foreign languages promoting citizenship services are disrespectful.
This whole discussion is a distraction from real issues like economic development and public welfare.
The fast removal of the billboard is a good sign. Shows that the government’s responsive.
Maybe, but it could also mean they’re just afraid of public backlash.
True, Petra. Still, better than doing nothing.
I think it also has to do with the image Thailand wants to project internationally.