Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a press conference to reveal the outcomes of the "Operation Wiang Haeng Fog-Cutting" and "Operation Hell Drug Suppression." These operations were conducted collaboratively by the Department of Provincial Administration, the Royal Thai Police, and various network partners. Anutin emphasized a no-tolerance policy for wrongdoers, regardless of their position or status, and committed to eradicating all forms of illegal activity.
According to Thai News Agency, the press conference was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruttapol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, and Mr. Napin Srisanpang, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office, among others. Anutin condemned the practice of demanding benefits from illegal immigrants, which undermines law and justice, threatening national security. Consequently, he instructed the Ministry of Interior to expedite investigations and address these issues swiftly.
Anutin clarified that the actions taken during his previous tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, which aimed at granting Thai citizenship to certain target groups, did not contribute to the current issues. Upon resuming office as Prime Minister, he instructed immediate investigations and prosecutions related to these matters. He cited the case in Fang District as an example, where a village headman was dismissed and prosecuted for extortion.
Anutin criticized the exploitation of over 480,000 vulnerable individuals awaiting legal status and Thai citizenship. He described this practice as shameful, emphasizing that it benefits criminal networks, including Chinese mafia groups, posing a threat to national security.
According to the Department of Provincial Administration, Wiang Haeng District has been a site of long-standing corruption. Since 2011, district chiefs have faced arrests, with some receiving prison sentences. The Ministry of Interior seeks cooperation from various agencies to thoroughly cleanse the area and prevent further violations.
This is the first instance where the Ministry of Interior issued an arrest warrant for a district chief in connection with corruption in the civil registration system. Anutin reiterated the government's commitment to suppress wrongdoing and protect national security, regardless of the perpetrators' positions or connections.
Anutin also reported on "Operation Intercept Hell Drugs," which focused on drug suppression in the northern region. The operation has led to substantial seizures of narcotics, including methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine, and arrests of those involved in drug trafficking. He stressed the government's ongoing effort to dismantle drug networks and related illegal activities.
The success of these operations, Anutin noted, is a testament to the serious and continuous efforts by security agencies and law enforcement officials. He assured that offenders would face the harshest punishment and reiterated that foreign offenders would be extradited to serve their sentences in their home countries.
Anutin concluded by commending officials and personnel for their dedication and urged public participation in reporting illegal activities. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to foster a safe society and protect future generations.
The "Operation Wiang Haeng Fog-Cutting" led to the arrest of 12 individuals, including government officials and a foreigner, and the seizure of significant evidence. The operation is linked to a high-profile case in Pathum Thani province involving fraudulent ID card services advertised on a Chinese platform.
The "Operation Intercept Drugs" conducted between November 13-19, 2015, involved the interception of approximately 11 million methamphetamine pills and 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. This operation was instrumental in disrupting drug trafficking routes from border areas into the country.