The Prime Minister announced the ongoing crackdown on influential figures and transnational crime networks, declaring firmly that no one who commits offenses will be shielded, with decisive arrests and prosecutions to follow.
At 3:00 p.m. on 30 Apr 2026 GMT+7, at the Government House, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, chaired a press conference on the crackdown against transnational crime networks involved in identity fraud, nationality manipulation, and illegal gambling. He stated that a key government policy presented to Parliament is to ensure security of life and property for citizens. He confirmed that all relevant agencies have continuously intensified efforts against crime syndicates, such as operations targeting scammer groups involving asset seizures in multiple cases. Today, additional results from these enforcement actions were reported to the public, highlighting important achievements in combating registry and nationality fraud. The Ministry of Interior has removed records related to call center scammer networks, including those led by Mr. Kok An and Mr. Liong Pad. Following identification of these transnational criminal networks, the Department of Provincial Administration under the Ministry of Interior established a task force against registry security threats, collaborating strictly with law enforcement partners to prosecute and expand investigations into these networks, resulting in ongoing arrests and suppression efforts.
The Prime Minister added that these operations are interconnected and mutually supporting, involving mainly scammer gangs, money laundering, smuggling, and illegal gambling, all part of the same group. Key law enforcement agencies engaged in these operations include the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Royal Thai Police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption (PACC), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), other security agencies, and the military, which cooperates in suppressing offenders. Everyone is aware of the operational guidelines. Therefore, when it is said that they will confront influential individuals with names, power, and money, the team I assigned is carrying out the national peacekeeping and social order policies with a firm approach. “Focus on the behavior, not the names.”
Moreover, I continuously inquire and do not simply issue policies without follow-up or rely on a single source. We verify information both within and outside the circles, with a team constantly assessing the situation. Law enforcement agencies are comfortable and willing to proceed under the principle of “Focus on the behavior, not the names,” allowing them to perform their duties without concern. I have demonstrated this to the team multiple times by observing operations against illegal activities. Coordination occurs both directly and indirectly during these operations. When the team sees that offenders cannot be cleared, which is clear-cut, they proceed fully through the legal process. All cases are prosecuted to the end. I want the public to be confident that the government is serious about combating all types of illegal activities.
Reaffirming prosecution of those assisting illicit capital.
The Prime Minister also said that recently there have been arrests of illegal gambling dens operating in new formats within hotels in provinces. He warned business operators that if such cases occur—whether you own a hotel, restaurant, building, or house—and you allow these people to open gambling dens or gather people to commit crimes, you will be considered as committing illegal acts yourself. Especially those requiring licenses for business operations: if you support these illegal activities, your licenses will be revoked and you will be prosecuted. This is not worth the investment you have made. However, we must proceed with full prosecution. I urge all business operators to take this as a cautionary lesson to comply with the law so that you can operate normally.
Prepared to fully apply the law.
Anutin also confirmed that he will fully support all law enforcement agencies, and today’s efforts represent integrated cooperation. As Prime Minister, he oversees the Royal Thai Police, AMLO, PACC, and the Ministry of Justice, all under his supervision and receiving directives from him.
“The public can be assured that there will be no clearing or bribery in these crackdowns to cause confusion. We do not seek wealth from these activities but consider serving the people and the nation with honor far more valuable than any bribe or illicit gain.” The Prime Minister stated.
When asked whether the government will revoke the nationality of these gangs, the Prime Minister said everything is being done. Nationality revocation has progressed significantly, including asset seizures. If these individuals use nominees or conduct any transactions, those transactions are null and void with no legal effect. Arrests and prosecutions are the duties of provincial administration and police, while asset forfeiture cases are jointly handled by AMLO, PACC, and DSI.
Showcasing nationality revocation achievements.
Reporters noted that in the registry and nationality fraud networks, transnational criminal groups exploit legal loopholes to create “fake identities” for money laundering and asset control. Key cases began with Operation “Clear the Fog of Wiang Haeng” (Nov 2025) in Chiang Mai, arresting 14 individuals including 11 state officials involved. This was followed by “Dissolve the Fog of Chiang Dao” (Jan 2026), with 6 arrests, and “Cutting Old Capital Cards” (Mar 2026) in Ayutthaya, uncovering 214 false household registrations and 6 arrests.
Operation “Dragon Scale Traceback” (29 Apr 2026) dismantled a Chinese network that hired Thai men to marry Chinese women, then registered births with false information to obtain Thai nationality. This scheme was used for money laundering and nominee setups. Six arrests were made (2 Chinese, 3 hired Thai men, and 1 state official). At least five related cases were identified, with 34 criminal prosecutions and 19 disciplinary actions against state officials.
Meanwhile, authorities intensified crackdowns on illegal gambling dens, launching Operation “ROSE GARDEN” in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, arresting 89 individuals with over 60 million baht in monthly turnover, and “Singh Prabprak” operations in Bangkok at two sites, arresting 106 people with tens of millions baht circulating monthly.
The crackdown on illegal gambling dens aligns with policies to ensure security and social order. Three cases of illegal gambling have been prosecuted. Additionally, 76 provincial and 878 district special administrative task forces have arrested 5,510 offenders and conducted 339,184 inspections, including checkpoints, patrols, and intelligence gathering.