BANGKOK, Thailand – Anti-corruption police have arrested a Chinese businessman for using a Thai national ID card, reportedly paying 1.5 million baht (around 300,000 yuan) to facilitate business operations in Thailand.
On November 22, officers from the Anti-Corruption Division (PACC) apprehended YUAN OUYANG, also known as Anuchit Phailinlert, 44, at a footpath in front of a gold shop in Bang Kradee, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok. He faces charges of supporting officials in abusing their duties, according to a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct.
The arrest is part of Operation “Cutting the Mist at Wiang Haeng”, targeting a network that helped mostly Chinese nationals obtain Thai IDs and citizenship through bribes. Local officials from district chiefs to village heads were implicated, with fees ranging from 800,000 to 1.5 million baht per person for fake permanent residency and citizenship documents.
Investigations revealed Anuchit was listed as number 25 among suspects using fake Thai IDs, holding both a Thai ID and a Chinese passport. Authorities said he entered Thailand to conduct high-level business, prompting his arrest in Bang Khun Thian.
During questioning, the suspect denied wrongdoing, claiming someone offered to make him a Thai ID for 300,000 yuan to ease business operations, which he paid before being caught. He was handed over to the PACC for legal proceedings.
