Thai authorities have launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal activities involving foreign nationals, beginning with an immediate three-month campaign ordered by the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The measures target transnational crime, illegal immigration, nominee businesses, cybercrime and other offences seen as affecting public order and local livelihoods.
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National police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch announced the campaign on Tuesday 12 May, with police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piwpan outlining a three-phase strategy extending from urgent operations to long-term reforms over the next two years. Authorities said the effort is intended to prevent Thailand being used as a transit point or safe haven for criminal activity.
The immediate phase focuses on intensive inspections of foreigners across the country. Police units have been instructed to compile databases and identify groups linked to drug trafficking, economic crimes, customs and tax offences, cybercrime, illegal immigration, prostitution, human trafficking and violent activity.
A proposed joint task force involving agencies including the ministries of Commerce and Finance, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Bank of Thailand, Customs Department, Excise Department and Department of Land will coordinate operations at policy and provincial levels. Officials said priority areas will be targeted first, with ongoing assessments to determine where further action is required.
The medium-term phase, expected to last six to nine months, will see the Immigration Bureau lead investigations into visa extensions, foreign business activities and supporting documentation. Authorities said foreigners found violating laws could face revocation of permission to remain in Thailand.
Police were also instructed to expand investigations into connected criminal networks under what officials described as an “uproot and eradicate” approach. Any state officials found complicit in illegal activities will face immediate legal and disciplinary action.
Long-term measures over the next one to two years include the development of a comprehensive foreigner database integrated into the RTP’s OnePolice system. The database will connect with local agencies and support information-sharing with foreign governments to strengthen blacklist systems, arrest warrants, advance passenger screening and immigration controls.
The Ministry of Interior is separately preparing to propose a national policy committee and local mechanisms to address foreign settlement and nominee business arrangements. Deputy permanent secretary Passakorn Boonyalak said global conflicts and Thailand’s visa exemption policies had contributed to increased migration and foreign ownership concerns.
The Bangkokpost reported that officials expressed concern about foreigners using Thai nominees to acquire land, property and businesses in sectors including hotels, hospitals, private universities, restaurants and service industries. Authorities warned the trend could lead to criminal networks and illegal operations becoming more deeply rooted in the country.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 13 May 2026