The Deputy Government Spokesperson refuted the Shadow Cabinet of the People Party’s criticism regarding the 'grey Chinese' and nominee network issues, emphasizing that the government is seriously moving forward with crackdowns before the opposition’s briefing. She pointed out that crime information should not be used as a political tool instead of public safety.
On 25 May 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed the case involving Mr. Natthapong Ruangpanyawut and Mr. Piyarat Jengtep, representing the People Party’s Shadow Cabinet, who criticized the government on transnational crime, the 'grey Chinese' group, and nominee networks. She said the government seriously considers all security recommendations, but some points may not yet reflect the facts or the proactive measures the government has already taken prior to the opposition’s statement.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson affirmed that under the leadership of Anutin Charnvirakul, the government has never neglected transnational crime issues. On the contrary, it has elevated ongoing serious crackdowns against the 'grey Chinese' networks, nominee schemes, identity fraud, and foreign influential groups in many key areas of the country.
"This government has never swept problems under the rug. On the contrary, many cases known to the public today have resulted from the government intensifying inspections and thorough follow-ups until illegal networks have no place to stand."
Regarding the case of Mr. Sun Mingchen in Chonburi Province, the Deputy Government Spokesperson explained that although it began as a traffic accident involving a vehicle rollover, the government did not stop at the traffic case. The Prime Minister ordered the Royal Thai Police to conduct in-depth investigations immediately, leading to the arrest of 11 additional suspects, both civilians and former naval officers, along with investigations into the weapons trafficking routes, possession of pink cards, and nominee networks nationwide.
Meanwhile, in the case of police abducting and extorting ransom from a Chinese national in Sa Kaeo Province, the Deputy Government Spokesperson stated the government acted decisively. The four police officers involved were immediately suspended from duty and are undergoing full criminal prosecution, with no protection or internal cover-up within the organization.
"Any corrupt individuals must be cut off. The government has no policy to protect wrongdoers. The straightforward handling of this case reflects that the internal oversight system still functions, and the government is ready to firmly deal with state officials who commit wrongdoing."
Regarding allegations of using foundations, schools, or nominee shareholdings to purchase luxury real estate, the Deputy Government Spokesperson clarified that the government had already implemented proactive measures. These include canceling the 60-day free visa policy for 93 countries, establishing a committee to review the entire visa system, and ordering the Land Department to examine shareholder structures and financial flows of suspicious legal entities nationwide.
Additionally, the Land Department has coordinated work with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the Department of Business Development to systematically expand investigations into nominee networks. It has also mandated land offices nationwide to report suspicious legal entity inspections every three months continuously.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson added that if the opposition has information regarding nominee companies or criminal networks, the government requests that such information be submitted directly to the Royal Thai Police, DSI, or AMLO for swift and effective prosecution rather than being publicized through the media first, which risks destroying evidence or allowing perpetrators to flee. "Crime information should not be a political tool. If there is real evidence, the government is ready to take decisive action immediately."
The Deputy Government Spokesperson said that the issue of foreign nominee property ownership and identity fraud is a structural problem accumulated over several decades. However, this government is the first to elevate inspections to seriously scrutinize shareholder structures and financial flows nationwide, not just document checks following a standard format.
"Opposition parties have the duty to scrutinize the government, and the government is ready to listen to all suggestions. But public communication should be based on complete facts to avoid misunderstandings about the country’s overall situation and the hard work of officials performing their duties to the fullest."
"Thailand has faced transnational crime problems for a long time, but this government chooses to confront and seriously crack down rather than ignore or let problems deepen. The government reaffirms its commitment to enforce the law straightforwardly and will not allow Thailand to become a safe haven for transnational criminal groups under any circumstances."