Deputy Minister of Interior Phonphir leads a special task force to crack down on a scam involving residents' ID cards being scanned and household registrations stolen to be sold to foreigners, pushing to arrest the leaders of a large multinational network.
On 17 Aug 2026 GMT+7, at the administrative office meeting room in Phanna Nikhom District, Sakon Nakhon province, Mr. Phonphir Suwanchavee, Deputy Minister of Interior, led a special task force to investigate reports that a Thai broker took villagers' copies of household registrations and ID cards to provide to foreigners for company registration. Present were Dr. Phanu Prawattana, advisor to the Deputy Minister; Mrs. Ronida Luengthitisakul, governor of Sakon Nakhon; Mom Luang Phuthong Thongyai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Business Development; along with local officials and district chiefs who listened to policy directives.
Mr. Phonphir revealed reports of irregularities in registering legal entities owned by foreigners in Sakon Nakhon province, totaling 49 companies (35 fully Chinese-owned and 14 fully Thai-owned), spread across four districts: Mueang Sakon Nakhon, Sawang Daen Din, Phu Phan, and Khok Si Suphan. Some houses were used to register as many as 14 companies. Additionally, registrations were found crossing from Chonburi province, using addresses in Sakon Nakhon as a front, which is considered a "fundamental falsification." It is believed Thai nominees are used to conduct illegal business in the future.
"Today, we found that some victims are elderly and disabled villagers unaware of the scheme. The scammers pretended to distribute goods in villages to trick people into scanning their ID cards, which is definitely not a government procedure. I have instructed provincial administration and commerce officials to urgently raise public awareness. I also warn government officials regarding personal data security; any leaks will face maximum disciplinary and criminal penalties," Mr. Phonphir said.
The Deputy Minister emphasized to accounting and law firms, "Do not harm fellow Thais for a small amount of money." He added that the Commander of Sakon Nakhon Provincial Police has coordinated with the Royal Thai Police and the Immigration Bureau to expand investigations and arrest involved parties in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Samut Prakan as soon as possible. He confirmed that investigations will be swift and thorough to impose the highest legal penalties and ensure decisive prosecution. "Wrongdoers must face consequences."