Daruma sushi restaurant chain owner nabbed at airport, faces fraud charges

23 Sept 05:03 Key points summarised by AI

Metha Chalingsuk, owner of the Daruma sushi chain, was apprehended at Bangkok airport upon returning from a foreign trip, immediately facing fraud allegations.
He allegedly fled Thailand owing creditors 100 million baht, claiming a low-priced buffet voucher scheme was intended to sustain business cashflow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metha faces consumer fraud, money laundering, and computer crime charges after hundreds of complaints from customers, franchisees, and suppliers regarding the 'unrealistically low' 199 baht buffet vouchers.
All 27 Daruma sushi outlets abruptly closed without notice, leaving numerous customers with pre-paid vouchers and franchisees with significant financial losses.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.