Raids were conducted on Tuesday (Nov 18) after authorities identified 28 suspects including officials, brokers and foreign nationals linked to transnational crime syndicates known as “grey Chinese” groups, reports the Bangkok Post.
After arrest warrants were issued for all suspects, officials from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and Department of Special Investigation (DSI) executed simultaneous raids.
Twelve suspects were arrested at multiple locations: eight in Chiang Mai’s Wiang Haeng district and one each in Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai, Phu Sang district of Phayao, Bangkok and Samut Sakhon.
Authorities seized firearms, ammunition, bank accounts, fraudulent application forms and nationality documents. At Wiang Haeng, officials also found forms and records linked to officials involved in document forgery.
All suspects face charges of malfeasance, corruption and collusion. Preliminary checks indicate three Chinese nationals involved have fled the country. Evidence connected the Wiang Haeng district chief and brokers, leading to court-approved arrest warrants. The district chief surrendered, while the brokers remain at large.
Implicated officials have been transferred for disciplinary inquiry and efforts are underway to prevent evidence tampering. Investigators believe this ring is tied to previous fraud cases involving fake Thai IDs on Chinese platforms and transnational crime groups engaged in scams, online gambling and call-centre fraud.
DOPA plans to revoke all fraudulent registrations and expand foreign record checks nationwide. Any wrongful Thai nationality will be revoked immediately with financial trails forwarded to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo).
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday condemned corruption exploiting stateless individuals, some waiting over 40 years for citizenship. “This undermines national security and the rule of law. Officials have abused a system meant to protect rights,” he stated.
He highlighted Thailand’s international recognition for resolving statelessness but warned that such acts damage the country’s reputation.
Anutin added that Wiang Haeng has been a hub for citizenship fraud since 2011, with previous crackdowns and prosecutions.
“This is the first time a district chief involved in corruption has been charged, demonstrating our commitment - no matter the rank, action will be taken.”