Anutin Charnvirakul Announces Comprehensive Crackdown on Identity Theft, Nominee Funding, and Drug Trafficking

Bangkok: The government is taking action! Anutin Charnvirakul led a press conference announcing a crackdown on new forms of crime, highlighting three strict measures to combat "identity theft, nominee funding, and drug trafficking." He emphasized the principle of "keeping names secret, focusing on behavior," and vowed to take decisive action against scammers, mafia groups, and illegal firearms. He also pledged to take decisive action against any involved government officials and expedite asset seizure to compensate victims.

According to Thai News Agency, the press conference, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, focused on "Suppressing New Forms of Crime through Collaboration by Administrative Officials and Network Partners." Present at the event were Deputy Ministers of Interior Polpeerap Suwannachawi and Worasit Liengprasit; Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior (Administration) Nirat Pongsitthaworn; Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration Narucha Khosasilai; Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma; Secretary-General of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) Thepsu Bovornchotidara; Deputy Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Pol. Lt. Col. Siripong Sritula; and representatives from other relevant agencies. The press conference was held at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Bangkok.

Mr. Anutin stated that today's press conference is to report on the overall success and progress in suppressing new forms of crime, which include scammers, identity theft, nominee funding, illegal businesses, firearms, narcotics, and money laundering. The government's approach is to manage the situation in a coordinated manner, working together and sharing information, resources, and coordinating efforts to outmaneuver these criminal groups more quickly.

"As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, I have followed up and issued directives to all agencies to work together, including the administrative sector, police, DSI, NACC, local administrative organizations, and other relevant agencies. The focus is on three key areas: 1) 'Closing loopholes in the registration system' to prevent the trafficking of national identity cards and the fraudulent use of Thai citizens as tools by transnational criminal organizations, including tracing financial trails and identifying those behind the schemes; 2) 'Regulating businesses and suppressing nominee funding,' especially in tourist areas. We must address this simultaneously by decisively dealing with those who intentionally violate the law and resolving the issue of delayed permit processes to ensure that those wishing to conduct business in this sector can do so correctly, conveniently, transparently, and quickly."

And 3) "The issue of managing illegal firearms and drugs," from the beginning of licensing, inspecting shops and shooting ranges, to setting up checkpoints in the area to intercept weapons and drugs before they cause trouble for the public," Mr. Anutin said.

There has been tangible progress in each area of operation, including asset seizure and confiscation, arrest of offenders, reclamation of state land, and seizure of firearms and narcotics. Mr. Anutin emphasized that if any government officials are found involved, decisive action will be taken. He urged all agencies to adhere to the principle of "keeping names confidential, focusing on behavior," using all available technology and data to ensure swift detection and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

Mr. Anutin further stated that the government's goal is not merely to increase arrests, but to prevent the state system from being used as a channel for crime, to allow honest people to earn a living fairly, and to ensure the safety of life and property for all citizens. He thanked all agencies, the public, and the media for their assistance in providing information and monitoring the situation, assuring continued serious and transparent efforts to maintain peace, order, and security in the country.

"I would like to commend and thank all officials, officers, civil servants, and volunteers who have cooperated so effectively in responding to the government's policy of suppressing all forms of crime. This has enabled us to prosecute undesirable individuals to the fullest extent, whether Thai or foreign nationals, resulting in clear and tangible successes. I reaffirm that we will continue this effort."

Mr. Anutin emphasized the seriousness of prosecuting these cases, pursuing investigations to the fullest extent, and seizing assets to distribute among the victims of fraud. Remaining amounts will become state revenue, and he urged all citizens to have confidence in the government's unwavering commitment.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Anutin affirmed that the approach of considering the circumstances of the operation, implemented by all officers who are "guardians of peace, combats drug trafficking, and conquers criminals," has been deeply ingrained in their work. He emphasized the government's clear and unwavering policy, committing to bringing peace and tranquility to society and the country for the people and Thailand.