By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk

 

For decades, an unknown number of Chinese nationals have been involved in illegal or “gray” businesses in Thailand but managed to stay clear of trouble with the law thanks mainly to the help of corrupt state officials, particularly those in the police force.

 

These shady “businesspeople” have been left free to operate criminal activities that range from narcotics and arms trading to human trafficking, gambling, and money laundering.

 

Before the presence of these Chinese triads was exposed last year, Thai society was largely unaware of the problem, not to mention the extent of their gray businesses in Thailand. People in general did not know that networks of overseas Chinese – some of whom have become naturalized Thais – had made profits on Thai soil while corrupting the justice system.

 

Before launching their operations in Thailand, triad bosses allegedly established connections with senior military and police officers. Some of them have even boasted connections with Thai politicians.

 

The tip of the iceberg was uncovered in late October last year when an unlicensed Bangkok entertainment venue catering mainly to Chinese nationals was raided. Over 100 of its patrons tested positive for narcotics. Also confiscated in the raid were various party drugs, luxury cars and gambling equipment.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/chinas-triads-and-corrupt-thai-cops-undermined-national-security/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-13

 

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Strange how many of the normal population were aware but not the RTP ........................LOL

18 minutes ago, webfact said:

People in general did not know that networks of overseas Chinese – some of whom have become naturalized Thais – had made profits on Thai soil while corrupting the justice system.

Doubt that.

23 minutes ago, webfact said:

some of whom have become naturalized Thais – had made profits on Thai soil while corrupting the justice system.

Will these grey Chinese be stripped of their citizenship, or will they remain 'Thais'?

46 minutes ago, webfact said:

Before launching their operations in Thailand, triad bosses allegedly established connections with senior military and police officers. Some of them have even boasted connections with Thai politicians.

What hope is there???

53 minutes ago, webfact said:

People in general did not know that networks of overseas Chinese – some of whom have become naturalized Thais – had made profits on Thai soil while corrupting the justice system.

One may well expand on the word "general"!

 

"Also confiscated in the raid were various party drugs, luxury cars and gambling equipment."

 

Interesting isn't it how the luxury cars are always scooped up. In a raid on an illegal night club, I can understand drugs and gambling equipment being targeted, but why, invariably " oh look, a flash motor, we will seize that!"

 

It is almost as if senior elements within the Police force have a particular interest in "luxury cars"!

Edited March 13, 20233 yr by herfiehandbag

55 minutes ago, webfact said:

Before launching their operations in Thailand, triad bosses allegedly established connections with senior military and police officers. Some of them have even boasted connections with Thai politicians.

Rotten to the core, the very fabric of Thailand is corrupt at all levels.

The higher up you go the greater the corruption.

Quote

China’s triads and corrupt Thai cops undermined national security

Undermined National Security? Something like that would fall under the mandate of ISOC, right?

from Wikipedia:

 

Internal Security Operations Command or ISOC is the political arm of the Thai military.

Mission and organization
ISOC's mission is to suppress threats to national security, defend the monarchy, promote unity, and protect the public from harm. Nominally a civilian agency, ISOC operates under the aegis of the Office of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is director of ISOC.

 

ISOC's role in Thai political history is quite an interesting read...

 

ISOC, with Prayut as its director, did not investigate the "Chinese threat to Thailand's national security", Chuwit did...

Edited March 13, 20233 yr by klauskunkel

A post with a derogatory comment toward Thai society has been removed. 

You know how that is.

Business is business. 

 

So called illicit/underground operations are no different than those of government and corporations.......which of course are looked upon as subliminally benign and benevolent. 

14 hours ago, webfact said:

Before the presence of these Chinese triads was exposed last year, Thai society was largely unaware of the problem, not to mention the extent of their gray businesses in Thailand.

With over 11 million Chinese descent among the population and all the business dealings with the Chinese (CCP, Taiwan, HK etc.) ranging from small to large corporations, I really find this hard to believe. Even the common Thai knows about Chinese gangs/ triads/mafia that have existed in LOS for centuries. 

Heck, their lakorns are full of examples! 

22 hours ago, webfact said:

For decades, an unknown number of Chinese nationals have been involved in illegal or “gray” businesses in Thailand but managed to stay clear of trouble with the law thanks mainly to the help of corrupt state officials, particularly those in the police force.

Oh come now is there anyone on either side of the law that didn't always know & love that about Thailand?

 

Thailand was always the land of equal opportunity corruption

Anyone & everyone could buy their way out of anything & that was a big draw

 

For them now to try & pin it all on cops is silly

You can buy favors anywhere in Thailand no matter how high up the food chain you go

Is this the same National security that prevents passengers from taking photos from a plane in Utapao?  The Thai military must not have noticed Google Maps taking close-up photos of everything including casinos.