The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of Thailand has intensified its investigation into the "Cambodian labor head fee" corruption network, revealing a massive money laundering chain involving high-ranking Cambodian officials, former Thai politicians, and several agencies. Police initially estimate that the funds involved amount to hundreds of millions of Thai baht, with secretive and complex money flows forming a complete illegal fund transfer chain.
DSI, in collaboration with multiple departments, raided four locations in and around Bangkok, focusing on a company that offers "consultation services" for foreign workers' documentation, which, while ostensibly legal, is suspected of money laundering. Investigations revealed that a Cambodian man (alias A) transferred millions of Thai baht through multiple bank accounts within six months, eventually ending up in the accounts of high-ranking Cambodian officials.
Data shows that from October 2024 to March 2025, account A made 87 transfers totaling over 3.28 million Thai baht to a high-ranking Cambodian official (alias B); at the same time, it sent more than 14 million Thai baht to another ministerial advisor (alias D) in over 400 transactions. These funds are suspected to be illegal "head fees" collected during the process of handling labor visas.
Shockingly, this money laundering chain not only involves high-ranking officials from Cambodia but also involves Thai "nominee companies" and former high officials. Investigations found that just one "head account" transferred a total of over 57 million Thai baht to three companies, including a trading enterprise and two suspected shell companies. Testimonies indicate that foreign workers who do not pay a 2500 baht "processing fee" face difficulties in renewing their visas.
DSI has questioned several current and former officials from the Ministry of Labor, including a senior executive. Although the cabinet had previously issued an MOU document for the renewal of foreign workers' visas, it did not authorize any "additional fees."
Currently, DSI is expanding its investigation scope to check the flow of funds and trace more intermediaries' profit chains, aiming to uncover the full details of this transnational political-business collusion network.
DSI stated that this case concerns the rights of laborers on the Thai-Cambodian border and the national integrity image, and they will spare no effort in thoroughly investigating. Public concern: How many hidden "head taxes" are yet to be discovered? Who is the real manipulator behind the scenes?
