Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed intensified investigations into narcotics networks, corruption, and Thailand’s grey-market businesses, warning that no one involved—officials included—will be spared consequences. Speaking during a government inspection trip in Chiang Mai, Mr. Anutin emphasised that authorities will pursue every lead and act on all forms of misconduct.
“Every organisation has both good and bad people. Those who break the law will be dealt with,” he said, urging government officials not to fear political or social pressure as the crackdown continues.
The prime minister travelled to Chiang Mai to oversee a handover ceremony for an urgent flood-prevention project along the Ping River. During the visit, he addressed a widening investigation into the fraudulent use of Thai ID cards by foreigners—a case that has already implicated several officials.
Mr. Anutin confirmed that the probe is being expanded and will reach senior levels if required. As both prime minister and interior minister, he has instructed the Department of Provincial Administration to clarify details related to alleged bribes in the ID-fraud scheme. He stressed that corruption within the ministry will not be tolerated, regardless of rank.
He also called on the public to assist authorities by reporting wrongdoing directly to the police rather than withholding information. “Authorities will follow every lead and expand investigations accordingly,” he said.
When asked whether the ongoing investigations amounted to a purge within the Interior Ministry, Mr. Anutin rejected the term. He explained that misconduct is limited to a small number of individuals whose actions tarnish the reputation of hardworking officials. Removing those involved in corruption, he said, “is not difficult.”
According to Mr. Anutin, corrupt officials who accepted bribes have already been dismissed from service and face prosecution. However, investigations will continue to trace the financial links between these individuals and organised crime networks. The government aims to uncover how illegal funds are moved through various channels and to dismantle the systems that enable such activities.
The prime minister also highlighted the wide-ranging nature of Thailand’s grey-business ecosystem. He warned that these networks are deeply interconnected, spanning human trafficking, gambling, online scams, narcotics, and the sex trade. Because these operations overlap and share financial routes, tackling them requires coordinated efforts between multiple agencies.
Mr. Anutin reaffirmed that the government is committed to strengthening law enforcement, rooting out corruption within state agencies, and improving transparency. He stated that genuine reform depends on accountability at all levels and the willingness of authorities to confront powerful interests.
The inspection in Chiang Mai marks one of several regional visits aimed at both reviewing major public projects and reinforcing the government’s stance against corruption. As investigations widen, the public can expect further action against individuals found to be tied to illegal networks or who have abused their authority.
