BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai police have dismantled a gang involved in forging ID cards of deceased citizens to illegally convert foreigners into Thai nationals. The operation also implicated six government officials. Authorities warned that those attempting similar crimes risk severe consequences.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Witthaya Sriprasertphap, head of the Crime Suppression Division, announced the arrest of ten suspects, including four brokers and six government officials, involved in creating fake ID cards and supporting illegal activities. The arrests follow a July investigation that uncovered previous attempts to forge IDs for foreigners. Police also seized numerous pieces of evidence during coordinated raids. Some suspects admitted their involvement, while others denied charges.
Pol. Maj. Col. Adisorn Intiyos, investigator at the Crime Suppression Division, explained that brokers recruited officials through personal connections and targeted deceased citizens whose age and appearance matched foreigners. Costs for forging a single ID card ranged in the hundreds of thousands of baht.
Initial investigations indicate the gang had operated since 2024-2025, forging IDs for over ten foreigners, though authorities suspect the operation had been active for more than two years. Police aim to expand investigations to uncover the full scope and financial flow of the network. Foreigners using forged IDs will face criminal charges and deportation.
Authorities emphasized that government officials and the public attempting such fraud will face strict legal consequences, with any ill-gotten gains far outweighed by the cost of prosecution. (TNA)
