Bangkok: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to aggressively tackle corruption, highlighting advancements in addressing significant cases such as the "Father Thip" network and oil hoarding schemes. The ongoing efforts include collaborative operations with the private sector aimed at fostering an "open public sector" to sustainably address corruption.
According to Thai News Agency, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, detailed the government's comprehensive approach to curbing corruption, emphasizing its importance at all levels of public concern. The government has strategically integrated its enforcement efforts with various agencies to protect national interests and public security. Particularly, there has been substantial progress in dismantling networks involved in fraudulent civil registration practices and illegal citizenship applications. This includes three major operations targeting transnational criminal activities related to these issues.
The first operation, "Dismantling the Child Prostitution Ring," led to the arrest of four suspects and the revocation of fraudulent birth registrations in Huai Khwang District. The second, "Turning the Dragon's Scales Back," conducted on April 29, 2026, apprehended six individuals, with further investigations resulting in 35 additional arrest warrants issued on July 7, 2026. The third, "Removing the Dragon's Scales," targeted a syndicate involved in manipulating marriage registrations, leading to 35 arrest warrants and 32 arrests. The court has denied bail for 27 individuals, citing the organized crime threat. Authorities are also revoking all fraudulent birth registrations.
Another critical case involves oil smuggling, where approximately 57 million liters of oil worth over 2.3 billion baht were illicitly handled. In response, the Department of Special Investigation, alongside various agencies such as the Department of Energy Business and Royal Thai Police, is pursuing legal action against the involved parties across multiple regions. Investigations continue to ensure all culprits are prosecuted.
Ms. Rachada emphasized the government's proactive stance against corruption, with ongoing investigations to ensure national and public welfare. Long-term strategies include partnerships with the private sector to form a joint committee for open government, aiming to enhance transparency, public access to information, and policy involvement, thereby strengthening anti-corruption efforts in Thailand.