Bangkok: Justice Minister Rutthapol has unveiled a strategic plan to dismantle an Israeli network involved in seizing land in Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Nawarat, the Minister of Justice, shared this initiative during a segment on "Talking with the Cabinet: Anutin's Office." He emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking is now a national priority, with the Ministry of Justice coordinating efforts through the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), in conjunction with the Royal Thai Police and military forces. The campaign aims to intercept drugs from neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos.
The crackdown strategy targets drug dealers and influential figures by confiscating their assets. Over the past year, authorities have seized a significant amount of precursor chemicals that could have been used to produce over 1 billion methamphetamine pills. Local mechanisms are also being employed to manage and resolve the issue.
In addressing the prevalence of scams and fake accounts, the Prime Minister has appointed Ruttapol as the chair of a subcommittee to combat technology-related and transnational crime. The suppression of these crimes is organized into seven sub-committees, as online fraud has shifted from personal to corporate accounts, complicating detection efforts.
To assist scam victims, the police have established the ACSC (Acting Scammers Center), a collaborative effort involving police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and banks. This initiative swiftly traces fraudulent money trails and coordinates with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and AMLO to auction seized assets, such as luxury cars. The proceeds are then distributed to victims, impacting nearly 600 individuals and totaling over 130 million baht.
In relation to transnational crimes, investigations continue into Israelis acquiring land in Thailand. A recent raid in Pattaya, Chonburi province, uncovered substantial evidence of a large-scale network, with legal proceedings set to commence this month.
The Ministry of Justice is also addressing household debt resolution through the Department of Rights Protection and the Department of Legal Execution. In fiscal year 2026, mediation sessions were held nationwide, involving over 60,000 participants and addressing 8 billion baht in assets. This initiative has reduced citizens' financial burdens by over 5 billion baht, significantly lowering monthly payments and credit card debts.
Pol. Gen. Ruttapol remarked, 'The remaining money can be used to support their families. Next year, we will begin a new round of debt mediation in January to give those in need a chance to get back on their feet, raise their children and grandchildren, and live happily.'