Key facts
- Thai authorities are intensifying a crackdown on foreign-owned businesses using local nominees.
- Thousands of potentially risky corporate links have been identified in Thailand.
- Some foreign suspects in Thailand have been referred to prosecutors.
- Chinese investors have formally protested Indonesia's nickel industry policy changes.
- Indonesia's policy changes include proposed royalty hikes.
- Indonesia's policy changes include stricter foreign exchange rules.
- Indonesia's policy changes include reduced mining quotas.
- These changes concern Chinese investors regarding increased costs and reduced investment certainty.
- The policy changes may affect future Chinese investment in Indonesia.
- The policy changes may affect Indonesia's industrialization.
Thai authorities are intensifying their crackdown on foreign-owned businesses that utilize local nominees to circumvent ownership restrictions. Investigations have uncovered thousands of potentially risky corporate structures, and some foreign individuals suspected of violating these regulations have already been referred to prosecutors. The Thai government's move aims to ensure compliance with laws designed to protect domestic industries and prevent foreign entities from operating with undue influence or control.
In parallel, Chinese investors have formally protested recent policy changes implemented by Indonesia concerning its nickel industry. These changes have introduced significant concerns regarding increased operational costs and a reduction in investment certainty. Specific measures include proposed increases in royalty payments, the introduction of stricter foreign exchange rules, and the reduction of mining quotas. These policy adjustments could have a substantial impact on the future of Chinese investment in Indonesia's nickel sector, which is crucial for the nation's industrialization efforts.