Bangkok: The Prime Minister declared, "I will keep my word," regarding the citizenship bribery scandal; government officials found guilty will face severe punishment. The mayor vowed to "keep his word" after the Department of Provincial Administration launched an operation to "clear the Chiang Dao fog," arresting a district deputy and municipal officials in Chiang Dao district over a citizenship bribery scandal. He instructed relevant agencies to take action against anyone found to be involved in similar wrongdoing.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, in an interview regarding the operation by the Department of Provincial Administration and five other agencies to disperse the smog in Chiang Dao, resulting in the arrest of six individuals-a district deputy chief and municipal officials in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province-for fraudulently obtaining permanent residency permits for ethnic minorities and Thai citizenship for foreigners, stated that he had previously said, "The name is hidden, the behavior speaks for itself," and that he "keeps his word."
Mr. Anutin further stated that in the past, many parties said that there was a lack of ability to suppress drug trafficking, but in the past four months, 330 million pills worth over 10 billion baht were seized. Assets have been seized, scammers prosecuted, citizenships revoked, and deportations conducted, which constitutes a complete legal process. As for cybercrime and illegal gambling, relentless prosecutions are underway.
Regarding further investigations, the Prime Minister stated that there is no need for additional probes. If anyone is found guilty, those responsible will be dealt with accordingly.
As for any connections to a scamming ring, particularly since one of the suspects is a Chinese national who fled from China to avoid prosecution, the Prime Minister stated that the operation is under the purview of the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and other relevant agencies.
When asked if there was any message for civil servants who had committed wrongdoing, the Prime Minister replied that warnings were unnecessary. Those involved knew well the consequences of their actions. Civil servants, especially district officers, should be aware of this. He added that this clarity facilitates policy guidance and encouragement to those in authority. If they choose to act improperly, it is considered a deliberate act of wrongdoing, warranting harsher penalties than ordinary citizens.
Regarding attendance at a press conference, the Prime Minister stated that it was the responsibility of the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. He added that as Prime Minister, his role is to provide policy directives to prohibit illegal acts and harassment of citizens, and that civil servants are adhering well to government policy.
When questioned about the potential disappearance of bribery issues related to citizenship if the Bhumjaithai Party forms a government again in the next election, the Prime Minister replied that efforts would be made to create obstacles against wrongdoing. He stated that while it is uncertain if such issues will completely disappear, those committing wrongdoing will be punished, marking an unprecedented commitment.