"Big Tai" announced preparations to relaunch an operation against "nominees," stating that all relevant data has been gathered but will remain confidential for now. He emphasized that foreign ownership of Thai land is unacceptable and vowed to use strong measures to root out corrupt elements within the organization.
At 11:15 a.m. on 21 May 2026 at the Government House, Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Chief, spoke about progress on the nominee crackdown. He said he has kept the Prime Minister informed and assigned Pol Gen Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, to lead the effort because they have had data since January 2026, collected into a database. They have been discussing and reporting continuously. He stressed that Thai land cannot be held by others without legitimacy. If ownership is lawful, authorities must enforce the law accordingly. However, in cases where foreigners enter the country illegally or use tactics to evade the law to hold businesses or real estate, he told police leadership he will not accept this. Allowing it to continue will only worsen the problem and make enforcement harder. Therefore, action should start immediately, not wait until after his retirement. Once data is sufficient, the operation will begin, as seen in Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani Province.
Pol Gen Kittirat revealed that another operation will soon be launched, all based on the data they already have. In the previous operation, arrest warrants were issued for three suspects, two were caught and one escaped. The two apprehended showed irregularities in company registrations, and evidence was gathered from computers, documents, and financial accounts to build a case for expanding the investigation. He confirmed there will be another operation in multiple areas but declined to disclose details at this time.
When asked about the financial investigation's scope, the National Police Chief said many individuals are involved. The next operation will occur soon, based on existing data. He personally ordered Pol Gen Samran to head the task force targeting foreigners involved in illegal businesses and related activities. The expansion will cover illegal professions, businesses, and all nominees. The Prime Minister's policy demands strict enforcement. Even today's workshop addressed these issues. He emphasized cutting off habits of negligence and tolerating wrongdoing, which he likened to cancer. They will act decisively to deter offenders. Although success may take time, action must start immediately.
Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, National Police Chief, commented on the case of five Chinese foreigners who revealed that Police Lieutenant Tee regularly delivered food supplies. Reports to the Provincial Police Region 2 headquarters indicated insufficient evidence for prosecution. The matter will be reported to the Royal Thai Police headquarters, which may consider taking direct action. Initial reports indicate that the Provincial Police Region 2 Commander and Pol Gen Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, have submitted updates. Pol Gen Kittirat said they are committed to honest work. He learned from the Immigration Bureau Commander before the story broke about this issue and vowed not to tolerate any corruption. "Any ticks and fleas in the organization must be dealt with strictly and arrested immediately," he said. The Immigration investigation team and the Provincial Police Region 2 Commander are following his orders for decisive action, including against police officers involved, through disciplinary and criminal proceedings. This led to arrests locally, with no neglect or tolerance. Offenders will not be allowed to conceal detention or coercion.
The National Police Chief stated that, based on the incidents, there is credible belief in wrongdoing. However, all actions must follow legal and disciplinary procedures. Initially, if the facts, evidence, and laws align, involved officers will be suspended from duty. He will not tolerate police implicated in misconduct, especially when multiple departments are involved. He has requested reports and confirmed that the police will handle the matter themselves. Regardless of guilt or the strength of evidence, he assures that his policy for all cases is zero tolerance, with strict and serious enforcement and no assistance to offenders.