BANGKOK – A viral social media clip alleging that a Chinese restaurant in Bangkok refused Thai baht and accepted only renminbi has put foreign-run businesses and payment practices in Thailand under renewed scrutiny.

The issue emerged after a Chinese TikTok user living in Thailand, identified as JaideeBing and Bao, posted a video recounting his experience at a Chinese noodle shop in the Huai Khwang area.

In the clip, he said he had finished a meal and tried to pay, only to be told that the restaurant did not have Thai QR payment facilities or a Thai bank account. The shop allegedly asked whether he had another form of payment, forcing him to use renminbi.

He also claimed the bill increased by 50 baht (S$2) , from 325 baht to 375 baht, after he was required to settle the payment in renminbi.

The man said he was angered and confused by the incident, asking whether a shop operating in Thailand could refuse Thai currency. He said all businesses in the country should comply with Thai law and pay taxes properly.

The clip quickly drew heavy criticism online and sparked wider questions about whether foreign-owned or foreign-operated businesses are keeping some transactions outside Thailand’s official financial system.

If a business refuses baht, requires payment in renminbi through a Chinese account, has no Thai banking channel and does not issue receipts, such practices could raise concerns under several Thai laws.

These may include the Exchange Control Act, if foreign-currency exchange or cross-border transfers are carried out without proper authorisation.

The case could also raise questions under the Payment Systems Act if a business uses an unauthorised payment channel that has not been licensed by the Bank of Thailand.

Tax law may also be involved if income is kept outside the Thai system, value-added tax or income tax is avoided, or receipts are not issued.

Other possible legal concerns include the Foreign Business Act if Thai n...