BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a briefing at Government House, Apr 30, on a nationwide crackdown on transnational crime networks, involving civil registration fraud, identity falsification, illegal naturalization, and gambling operations.
Authorities reported progress in dismantling networks tied to fraudulent civil registration and nationality records linked to scam operations. The Department of Provincial Administration has revoked falsified records and established a specialized task force, DOPA N.I.C.E., to investigate identity-related crimes in partnership with other agencies. Arrests have been made in major cases, including sham marriages and fraudulent birth registrations used to obtain Thai nationality. Legal action has been taken against 34 individuals, while 19 state officials face disciplinary measures.
Officials said these activities undermine national identity laws and create false identities that can be used for money laundering and to expand criminal networks, posing risks to public order and the economy. Investigations are continuing across related cases.
Separate operations targeting illegal gambling dens have led to three major cases, alongside enforcement by provincial and district task forces. Authorities reported more than 5,500 arrests and over 339,000 inspections and patrols nationwide, with continued action planned against all offenders regardless of status. (NNT)
