Anusit Orders Investigation Expansion Following Arrest of Former Chiang Dao District Chief, Calls It a Large-Scale Operation
Former Chiang Dao District Chief arrested for illegally issuing ID to Chinese national with military weapons; PM Anusit vows expanded investigation into what he calls a large-scale corruption operation.
Prime Minister Anusit Charnweerakul and Interior Minister gave a statement on May 15, 2025, regarding the arrest of the former Chiang Dao District chief in Chiang Mai province for illegally issuing a pink ID card to Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese national arrested for possession of military weapons.
Anusit said his government will continue pursuing arrests and expanding the investigation because this is a large-scale operation. The district chief involved has already been ordered to step down from his position. He emphasized that anyone implicated in this matter will face consequences, urging the public to be confident that the current government will not tolerate corruption or make deals. He stressed that whether it involves land encroachment, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, money laundering, or scamming operations, his administration shows zero tolerance for criminal activities.
When asked if the criminal network is extensive, the Prime Minister briefly stated that this investigation is far from over and will not end here.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department of Local Administration is using the NACC mechanism to trace the financial transactions of the district chief, local police, and officials in Surat Thani and Phuket provinces who may be involved in encroachments on public land. The Prime Minister said this demonstrates the government's serious commitment, noting that committees will be established to investigate any district chiefs, provincial secretaries, or governors found to be implicated. He clarified that those with no wrongdoing need not worry, but preliminary investigations must proceed to ensure justice has no exceptions.
When asked if any perpetrators are personally acquainted with him, the Prime Minister reiterated that he focuses on conduct rather than identity, stating that the government's approach is to let the enforcement agencies do their work without preconceived notions. Justice will be served when charges are officially filed.
