https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenWhy another ceremony and why waste so much money even to wear a corsage.. and the train must be tested for fully safety... A modern train on an outdated railwaySat, 04 Jul 2026 22:50:25 +0000The iconic line from Sir Walter Scott’s 1808 poem, Marmion: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive" best describes this whole messy saga. While it could be seen as nothing more than hi‑so theatre, the claim that he "... accepted financial compensation at the time to remain silent..." is for me the key! It’s a perfect example of how one lie quickly spirals out of control, forcing you to tell even more lies to keep the original one alive. You don’t pay a kid to keep silent unless there’s something worth silencing! Once hush‑money enters the narrative, all the “love and goodwill” PR fluff is just window dressing. Now that Psi has broken the deal, everyone’s pivoting to the “sensitive family matter” script to contain the damage.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:49:37 +0000If I wanted to read a novel I'd prefer Follett or Mark Sullivan. Yeesh....Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:48:58 +0000Nothing can stop the strong THB.. Even bad economic news, the tourist sector that is declining, high debt of the country and the households, and the political instability, and latest the drugs trafficking...And Thailand says it is not controlling the THB. I am afraid that when the THB starts to fall, it can't be stopped. It is getting to be uncontrollable sooner or laterSat, 04 Jul 2026 22:47:01 +0000The world will be better than it is today even without me. Dire poverty around the world for the most part vs 50 years is extremely rare. The countries that have the most tourists here in Thailand were struggling with feeding their citizens and in some cases mass starvation 50 years ago. Now people have too much time on their hands to dream of a past that never was. Live is better today in almost every measurable metric than it was 50 years ago. Life is exceptionally good in today's world and only getting better. I'm sitting at a PC watching the sunrise with not a worry in the world. Fear rots the soul.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:40:10 +0000When Interpol knows your favourite massage shop, it’s probably time to move 😂Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:35:50 +0000I've scrolled through an entire page and not a single comment mentioned that they were Russians. Polite, respectful people. Had it been a negative story every comment would have piled on.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:31:27 +0000They had more identities than a Hollywood spy, but less success. I need a flowchart just to figure out who’s pretending to be who.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:29:31 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/south-korean-scam-boss-arrested-in-pattaya-r2619/Immigration police have arrested a 45-year-old South Korean man, identified only as Mr Kim, in Pattaya, Chonburi, where he is accused of operating cross-border scam and illegal online gambling networks using Thailand as a base. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place on 4 July 2026 at around 15:00, when officers from Immigration Bureau Region 3, led by Pol Maj Gen Songprot Sirisukha, acting on international intelligence and an Interpol arrest warrant, located Mr Kim hiding in a massage shop in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district. He is wanted in connection with call centre scam operations and multiple online gambling websites, including Shinsegae, LIGHT, Gangnam, Bang At Kan, and BLUE, which allegedly provided betting services such as baccarat and slots to users in South Korea. Investigators said Mr Kim had been using Thailand as a command base to manage the networks remotely. Authorities believe he had been hiding in Pattaya for some time and frequently visited a local massage shop, which officers used as the location to carry out surveillance before moving in to arrest him. After being detained, officers informed him of the warrant and revoked his temporary permission to stay in the kingdom. Police then escorted Mr Kim to search a nearby residence, where they discovered multiple computers and systems believed to be used for managing the gambling operations. The equipment reportedly contained back-office platforms showing agent and user accounts such as mid777, mia777, and akka1111, along with detailed betting data including total bets, win-loss margins, and overall turnover generated through the networks. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Authorities estimate that each gambling website under his control generated turnover of more than 125 million baht per year. The seized computers and digital evidence have been taken for further forensic examination to expand the investigation and identify wider network links. Khaosod reported that officials confirmed that Mr Kim will face further legal proceedings under Thai immigration and criminal law, with authorities preparing for deportation and coordinated international follow-up with foreign law enforcement agencies. AQPbg5jnr-kcCwaLFFmPqaeGCA7lMdD4fosmwrABxvPXZOUd6IHXWC79jQ14MHJbyR1GmriI920JOj89jLZY5q-30a5mGnRDyZ5YMe0rOA.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:25:24 +0000Immigration police have arrested a 45-year-old South Korean man, identified only as Mr Kim, in Pattaya, Chonburi, where he is accused of operating cross-border scam and illegal online gambling networks using Thailand as a base. Get today's headlines by email The arrest took place on 4 July 2026 at around 15:00, when officers from Immigration Bureau Region 3, led by Pol Maj Gen Songprot Sirisukha, acting on international intelligence and an Interpol arrest warrant, located Mr Kim hiding in a massage shop in the Nong Prue area of Bang Lamung district. He is wanted in connection with call centre scam operations and multiple online gambling websites, including Shinsegae, LIGHT, Gangnam, Bang At Kan, and BLUE, which allegedly provided betting services such as baccarat and slots to users in South Korea. Investigators said Mr Kim had been using Thailand as a command base to manage the networks remotely. Authorities believe he had been hiding in Pattaya for some time and frequently visited a local massage shop, which officers used as the location to carry out surveillance before moving in to arrest him. After being detained, officers informed him of the warrant and revoked his temporary permission to stay in the kingdom. Police then escorted Mr Kim to search a nearby residence, where they discovered multiple computers and systems believed to be used for managing the gambling operations. The equipment reportedly contained back-office platforms showing agent and user accounts such as mid777, mia777, and akka1111, along with detailed betting data including total bets, win-loss margins, and overall turnover generated through the networks. Pictures courtesy of Khaosod Authorities estimate that each gambling website under his control generated turnover of more than 125 million baht per year. The seized computers and digital evidence have been taken for further forensic examination to expand the investigation and identify wider network links. Khaosod reported that officials confirmed that Mr Kim will face further legal proceedings under Thai immigration and criminal law, with authorities preparing for deportation and coordinated international follow-up with foreign law enforcement agencies. AQPbg5jnr-kcCwaLFFmPqaeGCA7lMdD4fosmwrABxvPXZOUd6IHXWC79jQ14MHJbyR1GmriI920JOj89jLZY5q-30a5mGnRDyZ5YMe0rOA.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 22:25:24 +0000If you mistake one's use for another?Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:20:04 +0000Troll post removed @flaming dragon this is the news section, not for your continuous off topic nonsense.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:18:46 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/chiang-rai-woman-held-over-heroin-parcel-to-taiwan-r2618/A woman from Chiang Rai has been arrested after officers discovered 2.1kg of heroin concealed inside packets of Thai tea and instant coffee that were due to be shipped to Taiwan, in what authorities believe may be linked to an existing cross-border drug trafficking network. Get today's headlines by email The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) said the arrest took place at about 12pm on 3 July 2026 after officers inspected a private parcel delivery company in Bangkok that had been under surveillance following intelligence about suspected drug shipments destined for Taiwan. During the operation, officers identified a woman behaving suspiciously while attempting to send an overseas parcel. After identifying themselves, officials searched the package and found the concealment method matched one used in an earlier heroin seizure in Bangkok’s Rang Nam area. The search uncovered Class 1 narcotics, identified as heroin, hidden inside three large packets of instant coffee and one packet of Thai tea. The total weight of the drugs was approximately 2,100g. The woman was arrested and the drugs seized for legal proceedings. Pictures courtesy of Amarin According to investigators, the suspect told officers she is from Chiang Rai and had travelled to Bangkok after collecting the tea and coffee packets containing the concealed heroin in Chiang Rai. She allegedly said she had been paid 10,000 baht in cash to deliver the parcel for shipment to Taiwan. ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol said the concealment method closely resembled a previous heroin case involving coffee packets, leading investigators to believe the latest seizure could involve the same network or a connected organisation. Authorities are continuing to investigate potential links. He said the case demonstrated that drug trafficking networks continue attempting to use Thailand as a transit route by concealing narcotics inside consumer goods and exploiting international parcel delivery services. He added that intelligence gathering, investigations and surveillance had enabled authorities to intercept such shipments on an ongoing basis. The ONCB said investigators are now working with relevant agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for organising, financing and directing the operation, along with any other members of the network. Pol Lt Col Suriya said the arrest was carried out under government policy led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which identifies drug suppression as a national priority, alongside policies introduced by Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapol Naowarat to strengthen cooperation between agencies and target traffickers at every stage of the supply chain. Amarin reported that he also warned the public not to accept parcels for international shipment without knowing their origin or checking their contents carefully, saying people could become unwitting tools of drug trafficking networks and still face prosecution even if they claimed they were unaware of the contents. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:13:48 +0000A woman from Chiang Rai has been arrested after officers discovered 2.1kg of heroin concealed inside packets of Thai tea and instant coffee that were due to be shipped to Taiwan, in what authorities believe may be linked to an existing cross-border drug trafficking network. Get today's headlines by email The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) said the arrest took place at about 12pm on 3 July 2026 after officers inspected a private parcel delivery company in Bangkok that had been under surveillance following intelligence about suspected drug shipments destined for Taiwan. During the operation, officers identified a woman behaving suspiciously while attempting to send an overseas parcel. After identifying themselves, officials searched the package and found the concealment method matched one used in an earlier heroin seizure in Bangkok’s Rang Nam area. The search uncovered Class 1 narcotics, identified as heroin, hidden inside three large packets of instant coffee and one packet of Thai tea. The total weight of the drugs was approximately 2,100g. The woman was arrested and the drugs seized for legal proceedings. Pictures courtesy of Amarin According to investigators, the suspect told officers she is from Chiang Rai and had travelled to Bangkok after collecting the tea and coffee packets containing the concealed heroin in Chiang Rai. She allegedly said she had been paid 10,000 baht in cash to deliver the parcel for shipment to Taiwan. ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol said the concealment method closely resembled a previous heroin case involving coffee packets, leading investigators to believe the latest seizure could involve the same network or a connected organisation. Authorities are continuing to investigate potential links. He said the case demonstrated that drug trafficking networks continue attempting to use Thailand as a transit route by concealing narcotics inside consumer goods and exploiting international parcel delivery services. He added that intelligence gathering, investigations and surveillance had enabled authorities to intercept such shipments on an ongoing basis. The ONCB said investigators are now working with relevant agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for organising, financing and directing the operation, along with any other members of the network. Pol Lt Col Suriya said the arrest was carried out under government policy led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which identifies drug suppression as a national priority, alongside policies introduced by Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapol Naowarat to strengthen cooperation between agencies and target traffickers at every stage of the supply chain. Amarin reported that he also warned the public not to accept parcels for international shipment without knowing their origin or checking their contents carefully, saying people could become unwitting tools of drug trafficking networks and still face prosecution even if they claimed they were unaware of the contents. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 22:13:48 +0000Andy Burnham's arrival in Downing Street has triggered an immediate shift in the polls, raising fresh questions over whether the Green Party can maintain the momentum it built under Zack Polanski. A week after Keir Starmer announced he would step down, YouGov polling showed Labour gaining two points while the Greens slipped by the same margin. It is too early to judge whether the movement marks a lasting political realignment or a short-term reaction to Labour's new leadership. Labour's Leftward Shift Tests Green Strategy Much of the Greens' recent rise came from attracting voters disillusioned with Starmer's leadership. Under Polanski, the party has expanded its membership, increased its national vote share in opinion polls and secured a high-profile by-election victory in Gorton and Denton. Party figures acknowledge Burnham presents a different political challenge. His stronger communication style and more left-leaning rhetoric could narrow the political space the Greens have successfully occupied over the past year. Supporters See More Than a Personality Contest Despite Labour's early polling boost, many Green insiders believe Burnham's honeymoon may prove short-lived if expectations outpace delivery. They argue voters frustrated with Labour's record may remain unconvinced unless significant policy changes follow. Others point to issues where clear differences remain, including environmental priorities, public ownership and the party's position on international affairs. They argue those distinctions continue to give Green supporters reasons to stay loyal. Momentum Meets New Political Reality Within the Greens, attention is turning to the next general election and how widely the party should spread its resources. Senior figures are reviewing local election results as they refine a target-seat strategy aimed at converting rising support into parliamentary gains. Political analysts warn the political landscape has changed. While Polanski benefited from widespread dissatisfaction with Starmer, Burnham's different public image could make it harder for the Greens to frame Labour as their principal opponent. The coming months will test whether the Greens' recent electoral advances reflect a durable shift in British politics or whether Labour's change of leadership is enough to win back voters who had drifted away. What impact will Andy Burnham have on Zack Polanski and the Greens?Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:11:01 +0000How does sharia law deal with such cases? Not many stories about Muslims scamming other Muslims come to light. It's a good thing he didn't pull this stunt during the Hajj.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:09:47 +0000Yeah, mate, half the time they are showing me ads for bongs and the other half of the time it's butt plugs. What could possibly go wrong?Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:09:40 +0000trump renders folks insaneSat, 04 Jul 2026 22:08:35 +0000It seems you're missing a few points here. Those who choose to live here, and not tourists, which you seem to always complain about, need to have a certain amount of money, so they aren't cheap but more well off than the majority of locals who live here. That you continually , like now, lump all foreigners into one pool is why you made this statement, although an incorrect one. Another thing is that you don't live here but come back occasionally from your work on the ocean, so, being a tourist yourself, you really don't know how the majority here lives, but only what you see while in Pattaya. Assumptions are what a few here do, and they are always wrong, as it takes evidence over time before you can judge others, and even then you really don't know many people well, and that evidence is what those who assume don't have.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:06:46 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/immigration-busts-fake-passport-ring-in-bangkok-r2617/Thai immigration police have dismantled two linked transnational operations involving forged passports and identity misuse, following coordinated arrests across Bangkok, Songkhla, and border areas. The cases, announced on 3 July 2026, involve multiple suspects from Sri Lanka, Canada, and Malaysia, and highlight Thailand’s role as a transit hub for illegal travel to Europe and Central Asia. Get today's headlines by email In the first case, officers from Immigration Division 2 at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested Sri Lankan national Mr Kaaviniyan on 31 May 2026 after he attempted to travel to the United Kingdom using a fake Canadian passport in the name of Mr Akiem. Investigators found that the real Mr Akiem, a Canadian national, had allegedly cooperated with the network by allowing his identity to be used and by checking in with an airline to generate a boarding pass for the suspect. Further investigation linked the case to a wider criminal network operating between Sri Lanka, Canada, and the UK, using Thailand as a transit and facilitation point. Police identified three main groups: a Sri Lankan husband-and-wife pair, Mr Sivakumar and Ms Rukanya, who acted as masterminds and were later arrested in Sadao, Songkhla, while attempting to flee to Malaysia. A second group involving Mr Dilaxshan, Rukanya’s brother, who escorted clients into Thailand before escaping to Malaysia; and a third group described as identity “mules”, including Mr Akiem and Mr Sayanthan, both Canadian nationals who entered Thailand on 29 May 2026 and allegedly facilitated boarding pass issuance before fleeing. Arrest warrants have been issued for remaining suspects, including those who escaped abroad. A second case involved a Sri Lankan family travelling under falsified documentation. Ms Anusha and her two sons, aged 14 and 5, entered Thailand on 28 May 2026 using Sri Lankan passports before travelling to Malaysia on 3 June. On 12 June, they attempted to transit through Suvarnabhumi Airport to Kazakhstan using Malaysian passports, accompanied by a Malaysian facilitator, Ms Liviya, who falsely claimed to be the mother of the children. Airline staff raised suspicions and denied boarding, prompting the group to alter travel plans. On 17 June 2026, the group attempted to travel again from Yangon via Don Mueang Airport to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Immigration officers intercepted and arrested Ms Anusha and Ms Liviya after verifying that Malaysian passports had been used improperly. The two children were processed under Thailand’s National Referral Mechanism for victim screening. Authorities later concluded they were not trafficking victims and initiated repatriation procedures to Sri Lanka. Officials from Immigration Bureau Division 2 stated that the cases demonstrate a shift towards highly structured cross-border criminal networks that divide roles between recruiters, facilitators, and identity providers. Authorities emphasised that Thailand’s airports are being exploited as transit hubs for onward travel to third countries, requiring tighter intelligence sharing between agencies and international partners. Deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart said the bureau is intensifying efforts against forged document networks, while Pol Col Phongthorn Phongrattanathun, spokesperson for Division 2, noted that even single passport forgery cases can expose entire transnational organisations operating across multiple countries. Matichon reported that Immigration authorities confirmed that prosecutions include charges of joint possession and use of forged passports and involvement in transnational organised crime under relevant criminal provisions. Related story Sri-Lankan-man-held-over-fake-Canadian-passport-at-Suvarnabhumi Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 22:03:17 +0000Thai immigration police have dismantled two linked transnational operations involving forged passports and identity misuse, following coordinated arrests across Bangkok, Songkhla, and border areas. The cases, announced on 3 July 2026, involve multiple suspects from Sri Lanka, Canada, and Malaysia, and highlight Thailand’s role as a transit hub for illegal travel to Europe and Central Asia. Get today's headlines by email In the first case, officers from Immigration Division 2 at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested Sri Lankan national Mr Kaaviniyan on 31 May 2026 after he attempted to travel to the United Kingdom using a fake Canadian passport in the name of Mr Akiem. Investigators found that the real Mr Akiem, a Canadian national, had allegedly cooperated with the network by allowing his identity to be used and by checking in with an airline to generate a boarding pass for the suspect. Further investigation linked the case to a wider criminal network operating between Sri Lanka, Canada, and the UK, using Thailand as a transit and facilitation point. Police identified three main groups: a Sri Lankan husband-and-wife pair, Mr Sivakumar and Ms Rukanya, who acted as masterminds and were later arrested in Sadao, Songkhla, while attempting to flee to Malaysia. A second group involving Mr Dilaxshan, Rukanya’s brother, who escorted clients into Thailand before escaping to Malaysia; and a third group described as identity “mules”, including Mr Akiem and Mr Sayanthan, both Canadian nationals who entered Thailand on 29 May 2026 and allegedly facilitated boarding pass issuance before fleeing. Arrest warrants have been issued for remaining suspects, including those who escaped abroad. A second case involved a Sri Lankan family travelling under falsified documentation. Ms Anusha and her two sons, aged 14 and 5, entered Thailand on 28 May 2026 using Sri Lankan passports before travelling to Malaysia on 3 June. On 12 June, they attempted to transit through Suvarnabhumi Airport to Kazakhstan using Malaysian passports, accompanied by a Malaysian facilitator, Ms Liviya, who falsely claimed to be the mother of the children. Airline staff raised suspicions and denied boarding, prompting the group to alter travel plans. On 17 June 2026, the group attempted to travel again from Yangon via Don Mueang Airport to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Immigration officers intercepted and arrested Ms Anusha and Ms Liviya after verifying that Malaysian passports had been used improperly. The two children were processed under Thailand’s National Referral Mechanism for victim screening. Authorities later concluded they were not trafficking victims and initiated repatriation procedures to Sri Lanka. Officials from Immigration Bureau Division 2 stated that the cases demonstrate a shift towards highly structured cross-border criminal networks that divide roles between recruiters, facilitators, and identity providers. Authorities emphasised that Thailand’s airports are being exploited as transit hubs for onward travel to third countries, requiring tighter intelligence sharing between agencies and international partners. Deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart said the bureau is intensifying efforts against forged document networks, while Pol Col Phongthorn Phongrattanathun, spokesperson for Division 2, noted that even single passport forgery cases can expose entire transnational organisations operating across multiple countries. Matichon reported that Immigration authorities confirmed that prosecutions include charges of joint possession and use of forged passports and involvement in transnational organised crime under relevant criminal provisions. Related story Sri-Lankan-man-held-over-fake-Canadian-passport-at-Suvarnabhumi Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 5 July 2026 View full articleSat, 04 Jul 2026 22:03:17 +0000where? nj? greenie states? they have no chance if they cant cheatSat, 04 Jul 2026 22:00:39 +0000An activist with a sign saying ‘Luhansk is Ukraine’ which refers to the region that is largely occupied by Russia (Photo: Yellow Ribbon/Telegram) A covert network of Ukrainian agents is playing an increasingly decisive role behind enemy lines, supplying intelligence, sabotaging Russian logistics and helping Kyiv strike high-value military targets across occupied territory. As Ukraine expands its long-range campaign against Russian forces, resistance groups say their underground operatives are disrupting supply routes and eroding Moscow's control from within. Many of their claims could not be independently verified. Hidden Network Fuels Precision Strikes Atesh, a resistance movement that emerged from Crimea's Tatar community after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, says it has around 2,000 active members working in reconnaissance, sabotage and intelligence. The group claims it recently provided targeting information that helped Ukrainian forces strike Russia's Perevalne military base and Saki airfield in occupied Crimea. Ukraine's military has declined to comment on operational cooperation, citing security concerns. Sabotage Campaign Hits Russian Supply Lines Beyond gathering intelligence, Atesh says its operatives have targeted railway infrastructure, communications equipment and other logistics used by Russian occupation forces. The movement has also claimed responsibility for attacks on infrastructure inside Russia, including energy and industrial sites. Ukrainian officials say local resistance has become an increasingly valuable force multiplier, allowing military planners to identify troop movements, ammunition depots and air defence systems before launching precision strikes. Occupation Tightens as Resistance Adapts The work comes at enormous personal risk. Human rights organisations and the United Nations have documented allegations of detention, torture and killings in occupied territories, where Russian security services have expanded surveillance, checkpoints and intelligence operations. Resistance groups say they now operate through tightly compartmentalised cells with minimal contact between members, making infiltration more difficult. Sensitive intelligence is passed through secure channels, while some communications are conducted face-to-face. Shadow War Shows No Sign of Slowing Analysts say the resistance has evolved from carrying out frequent attacks to prioritising intelligence gathering, enabling Ukraine's growing arsenal of drones and long-range weapons to strike with greater accuracy. Despite the dangers, organisers say recruitment continues, including support from civilians in occupied areas and, in some cases, from Russians opposed to the Kremlin. As Crimea and other occupied regions come under increasingly regular attack, the underground campaign is becoming an integral part of Ukraine's wider strategy to weaken Russia's military presence far beyond the front line. The underground saboteurs who are wrecking Putin’s plansSat, 04 Jul 2026 22:00:17 +0000You will at least not have recourse to the excuse ‘if only we had known’.Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:54:18 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/police-arrest-ex-official-in-rohingya-id-fraud-probe-r2616/Thai police have launched a major operation against an alleged registration fraud network accused of issuing “number 0” identity cards to Rohingya migrants in Surat Thani province, with 17 arrest warrants issued including one for a former district official. Get today's headlines by email The operation took place on 4 July after Police General Kitrat Phanphet ordered a joint task force led by Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy National Police Chief, and Police Lieutenant General Noppasin Poolsawat. Officers from Provincial Police Region 8, Surat Thani investigators, immigration police, the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Special Investigation and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission took part in raids targeting the alleged network. Investigators said the warrants cover a former Don Sak district officer, a former district employee, three householders accused of endorsing registrations, and 12 Rohingya migrants allegedly involved in the scheme. Six of the suspects remain at large. The suspects face allegations including misconduct by public officials, creating or certifying false registration documents, and unlawfully adding names to house registration records and other civil registration documents. Police said the investigation began after complaints were filed earlier in 2026 alleging that Rohingya migrants had obtained identity cards for persons without registration status at the Don Sak district office. The Department of Provincial Administration’s DOPA N.I.C.E. task force examined the records and found that former district officer Phairat had allegedly processed registration records and issued number 0 identity cards to as many as 240 people between 2021 and 2023. Authorities said the network operated through two groups. Brokers allegedly recruited householders to register foreign nationals at addresses in exchange for payments of 1,000-2,000 baht per person, while also collecting large sums from applicants seeking number 0 identity cards, with estimates of at least 15 million baht. Police said the second group consisted of corrupt officials who allegedly facilitated the issuing of the cards. Investigators warned that once a migrant receives a number 0 card, police cannot prosecute that person for illegal entry because the card identifies the holder as someone awaiting nationality verification. Police General Samran said investigators had also found evidence that some Rohingya groups had formed organised communities with their own leaders and that there were allegations of intimidation, extortion and firearms offences within those groups. He said the case may be linked to human trafficking networks. Daily News reported that authorities said the investigation will now be expanded beyond southern Thailand to examine registration fraud networks nationwide. The Anti-Money Laundering Office will also investigate financial transactions connected to the suspects and seek asset seizures under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 5 July 2026Sat, 04 Jul 2026 21:51:04 +0000