Thailand Launches Nationwide Crackdown On Foreign Criminal Networks

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, May 12 (Bernama) -- Thailand has launched a sweeping nationwide crackdown on foreign criminal networks, with Royal Thai Police ordered to “x-ray” high-risk areas populated by foreigners and dismantle syndicates involved in cybercrime, drug trafficking, illegal businesses and human smuggling.

Royal Thai Police spokesperson Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan said Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had instructed all units to urgently intensify enforcement against foreigners violating Thai laws amid growing concerns over transnational crime and illegal operations affecting public safety and the economy.

He said the operation targets foreigners allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking, economic and customs offences, cybercrime, prostitution, human trafficking, illegal immigration and nominee business schemes.

“The police chief has instructed all units to strictly enforce the law and take legal action against all offenders,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Trairong said under the first phase, dubbed “X-ray, Mobilise, Sweep”, authorities will carry out a three-month nationwide campaign focusing on locations where large numbers of foreigners gather or reside.

He said the Royal Thai Police is also considering establishing a Joint Task Force with agencies including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Finance, Anti-Money Laundering Office, Bank of Thailand, Customs Department, Excise Department and Land Department to strengthen enforcement and intelligence-sharing.

"As part of medium-term measures over the next six to nine months, the Immigration Bureau and related agencies will review immigration records, scrutinise foreign-owned businesses and verify visa extensions to close loopholes exploited by criminal networks," he said.

He added that authorities will also study amendments to relevant laws and regulations to improve enforcement efficiency, while investigators have been ordered to expand probes to dismantle criminal syndicates “from root to branch”.

Trairong said any state officials found colluding with offenders would face immediate legal, disciplinary and administrative action.

In the longer term, police plan to establish an integrated database system linked to the Royal Thai Police’s “One Police” platform to improve nationwide monitoring of foreign nationals and strengthen coordination with international law enforcement agencies, including INTERPOL.

-- BERNAMA