The Prime Minister is preparing to extend the investigation after arresting a former Chiang Dao district chief who issued a pink card to "Ming Chen Sun." He pointed out this is a very large-scale operation, vowing no compromises, and will use the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to examine the financial trails of government officials involved.
On 15 May 2026 at the Government House, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, commented on the arrest of a former Chiang Dao district chief in Chiang Mai Province for corruptly issuing a pink card to Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese suspect apprehended with war weapons and high-powered explosives. He said the authorities will continue pursuing and expanding the case as it involves a very large network. The district chief in the area has already been ordered to leave. Anyone involved will face consequences.
He assured the public to have confidence.
Therefore, the public can be assured that this government does not tolerate unresolved issues, whether concerning land encroachment, drugs, illegal gambling, or any wrongdoing including money laundering and scams. He emphasized the government has clearly demonstrated no compromise and no friendliness toward offenders. Cooperation from related agencies has been strong, and officials feel supported by the government's freedom to act. This has resulted in an increased number of arrests and prosecutions since his administration began.
He declared that this is not the end.
When asked if the network was large, the Prime Minister responded simply, "It is not over yet, and it won't end here." Regarding the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration using the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to investigate the financial trails of district chiefs and police in Surat Thani and Phuket provinces possibly linked to public land encroachment, the Prime Minister said this demonstrates serious intent. It is not merely about visiting the sites and making superficial cuts but forming investigation committees for district chiefs, or even higher officials such as provincial clerks, governors, or deputy governors. If found involved, all must be prosecuted. Those innocent need not worry, but committees must be set up to assure all parties that justice applies equally without exceptions.
He reiterated the principle of "anonymous behavior-based prosecution."
When asked if he knew any offenders personally, the Prime Minister emphasized that he applies the principle, "Anonymous behavior-based prosecution." He explained that nowadays everyone has many connections and courses; focusing on names first would cause internal discomfort. Therefore, this government allows officials to proceed directly with enforcement. The next encounter is when charges are filed, by which time offenders cannot act further. Asked if this is a purge of gray-area officials in this era, the Prime Minister said cleansing is always necessary, not just now. He reaffirmed that the government will eradicate illegal behavior as much as possible.