Bangkok: The Prime Minister has dismissed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the civil registration system while expressing caution over unscrupulous individuals gaining unauthorized access to citizenship records.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that existing regulations surrounding civil registration and citizenship are sufficient, even in cases where foreigners fraudulently claim citizenship. He stressed the importance of investigating networks involved in such fraudulent activities, specifically referencing a Chinese man in possession of illegal weapons. The Prime Minister urged against letting isolated incidents negatively impact the broader system.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed questions in an interview concerning the Chinese national who allegedly accumulated firearms and possessed a Thai national ID card. He clarified that while current procedures for civil registry issuance and citizenship transfers are stringent, there was no citizenship granted to the individual in question. He reiterated the adage that "one rotten apple doesn't spoil the whole barrel" to highlight that isolated cases should not tarnish the entire system.
Mr. Anutin asserted that revising the ministry's regulations is unnecessary, given that existing measures are already in place. He noted that individuals with a criminal record should be dealt with through legal channels. Regarding the potential impact on visa policies, he mentioned that multiple agencies are reviewing the matter to ensure a balanced approach, acknowledging Thailand's economic interests.
Addressing the progress in the investigation of the Chinese man's arrest, Mr. Anutin reported receiving updates and collaborating with the National Police Chief. He reiterated the illegality of accumulating dangerous weapons as a hobby and highlighted past orders prohibiting the carrying and possession of firearms. The investigation, he stated, would expand to include the entire network to eliminate any threats to national security or public safety.