PM Announces Major Crackdown on Transnational Crime, Identity Fraud, and Illegal Gambling—Warns Wrongdoers Have No Way Out

At 3:00 PM on April 30, 2025, at Phakdibodindra Building in Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister held a press conference announcing results of operations against transnational criminal networks, identity fraud, citizenship manipulation, and illegal gambling operations. They confirmed that all agencies have continuously intensified crackdowns on criminal networks, including scammer rings, with numerous cases resulting in asset seizures and confiscations.

Today's announcement detailed additional enforcement achievements, particularly regarding corruption in civil registration and citizenship matters. The Interior Ministry has dismantled call center and scammer networks, including operations run by individuals known as Gak Arn and Liang Pad. After discovering these transnational criminal networks through registration records, the Department of Local Administration established a task force against registry security threats. With cooperation from law enforcement agencies enforcing laws strictly, prosecution efforts have expanded to network members, resulting in continuous arrests and crackdowns.

The Prime Minister stated these criminal operations are interconnected, not separate, and linked as a single group—primarily scammers, money launderers, smugglers, and illegal gambling operators working together. Key enforcement agencies involved include the Department of Local Administration, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Royal Thai Police, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Office of the Ombudsman (OPO), the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and the military.

The PM emphasized that his teams will pursue influential, wealthy, and powerful individuals without regard to reputation, following the principle of "focus on actions, not names." He stated he continuously monitors operations, does not rely on single sources, and ensures thorough verification. Law enforcement agencies fully support this approach and operate without concern.

The PM noted he has personally observed numerous arrest operations and emphasized that when wrongdoers realize they cannot escape consequences, they proceed with full enforcement until cases are concluded. He urged the public to be confident that the government is serious about combating all types of illegal activity.

Recent arrests have targeted illegal gambling operations hidden in hotels and businesses across provinces. The PM warned business owners—whether hotel, restaurant, or property owners—that allowing such operations on their premises makes them equally liable. Those with business licenses who support illegal activities face license revocation and prosecution, consequences not worth the initial investment.