Bangkok: The Royal Thai Police are gearing up with stringent measures to safeguard the public during the Chinese New Year 2025 celebrations, focusing on the key days of paying, worship, and travel. They have advised citizens to exercise caution to prevent fires and be wary of online threats such as the fraudulent "Ang Pao Thipt."
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Worasak Phisitbannakorn, Deputy Commander of Patrol and Special Operations Division and Acting Commander of the Public Relations Division, announced that from January 27-29, 2025, a large number of Thai-Chinese residents are expected to participate in ancestor worship ceremonies, travel to their hometowns, and partake in festival celebrations. In response, the Royal Thai Police, under the leadership of Pol. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, Deputy Commissioner-General, have instructed all operational units to rigorously enforce crime prevention and suppression measures to ensure public safety and property protection throughout the festival period.
Pol. Gen. Prachuap has directed various police bureaus, including the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Provincial Police Regions 1-9, Central Investigation Bureau, Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and Tourist Police Bureau, to enhance their vigilance. Police officers will be deployed to inspect areas frequented for ancestor worship shopping and to safeguard properties such as banks, gold shops, and convenience stores. Tourist attractions, hotels, and residential areas will also be under scrutiny to prevent theft and other crimes.
Additional measures include the Immigration Bureau intensifying travel document checks and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau targeting drug trafficking activities. The Border Patrol Police Bureau and Technology Crime Investigation Bureau will collaborate to combat cross-border drug smuggling and various technology crimes during the festive period.
Pol. Col. Worasak also emphasized the importance of fire safety during the festival. Precautions include using non-flammable containers for joss paper burning and ensuring electrical appliances are turned off when not in use. The public is urged to be cautious of online scams disguised as 'godlike red envelopes,' which may lead to financial fraud through malicious links.
For assistance or to report incidents, the public can contact local police or call the 24-hour hotlines 191 and 1599.