Bangkok: The Commissioner General of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation across all areas to "root out" transnational crime and illegal immigrants. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, announced that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet has issued an urgent directive to address illegal activities by foreigners, aiming to prevent Thailand from being used as a transit or covert entry point for such activities.
According to Thai News Agency, this initiative involves a three-phase plan. The first phase, which is to be executed within three months, involves "Integrate, Mobilize, and Sweep." All units are instructed to inspect foreign nationals within their areas, create a database, and identify those involved in crimes such as drug trafficking, economic offenses, and illegal immigration. A Joint Task Force may be established with other governmental agencies to strengthen this effort, focusing on areas requiring urgent action.
The mid-term measures, scheduled for 6-9 months, are designed to "root out the problem." The Immigration Bureau will collaborate with other agencies to verify alien databases and review the legality of foreigners' stay and business operations. Law enforcement agencies are expected to enforce laws strictly, propose amendments to close legal loopholes, and dismantle networks of perpetrators, especially if government officials are involved.
For the long-term, spanning 1-2 years, a comprehensive database system for tracking the status of aliens will be developed. This system will integrate with the Royal Thai Police's One Police system, facilitating effective law enforcement and information exchange with countries of origin. The strategy includes creating intelligence on foreigners involved in criminal networks and coordinating with International Affairs Division and Interpol.
The Commissioner General has also instructed police officers to avoid any involvement with illegal activities related to foreign nationals and emphasized the need for commanders to supervise their subordinates strictly. Any violations would prompt immediate consequences.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious foreign nationals to the police via the National Police Hotline 191 or 1599, or the Immigration Bureau Hotline 1178, available 24/7.