Malaysia ordered a crackdown on Monday against illegal businesses run by foreigners, joining a growing list of Southeast Asian nations rocked by similar operations amid simmering local resentment.
In recent years, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia introduced visa-free entry for foreign visitors following the Covid-19 pandemic in a bid to revive their flagging tourism, property and investment sectors.
But last month, Thailand removed the 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries and territories in response to foreigners buying companies and citizenship illegally, and to curb foreign ownership of its land. Instead, it introduced a 30-day visa exemption for 54 countries and territories and a 30-day visa exemption for three countries and territories.
Chinese, Russians, Indians and Israelis have been among the nationalities investigated for illegally owning restaurants, resorts, spas and fruit plantations in Thailand, registering local accomplices as “nominee” majority owners.
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