The Director-General of the Royal Thai Police, Police General Chakthip Chaijinda, announced that authorities are implementing a new round of stringent measures to curb foreign criminal gangs, especially those involved in prostitution-related transnational crime. For this purpose, the police have initiated a management mechanism that starts screening from before entry, relying on the "Online TM.6 Digital Entry Card" system jointly developed with the National Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for personnel information comparison.
Chakthip pointed out that all foreigners intending to enter Thailand must fill in their personal information through this online platform, which will be submitted simultaneously to their home country's embassy in Thailand for verification to confirm whether they are monitored subjects or high-risk individuals on the blacklist. The police will also utilize modern information technology for data scanning and cross-comparison to screen potential threats in advance, preventing them from entering Thailand under the guise of tourists to engage in illegal activities.
If any entrants try to evade screening at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the relevant information will be transmitted immediately to the Tourist Police and local police stations, initiating a tracking mechanism to quickly locate and investigate or arrest them.
Addressing potential prostitution victims, Chakthip stated that the Thai police have launched campaigns in some countries of origin through official media platforms, warning the public about the risks of being lured to Thailand for illegal work, especially among young women. Additionally, the police have established a Tourist Information and Assistance Center to ensure that tourists can receive timely support in emergencies.
He emphasized that he has ordered Suvarnabhumi Airport and major tourist attractions nationwide to strengthen law enforcement, particularly for foreigners entering on "tourist visas" or "student visas," as some have been found engaging in illegal commercial activities or participating in the underground economy as intermediaries. The police reiterate that the purpose of entry must be legitimate and legal, and any intent of illegal activity will be strictly dealt with and not tolerated.
Regarding areas like Sukhumvit Road, Cowboy Street, and Nana Alley becoming increasingly controlled by foreigners involved in prostitution, Chakthip revealed that the police have received related intelligence and have initiated investigations. He noted that although prostitution is often avoided by the parties involved under the guise of "voluntariness," the Metropolitan Police Bureau of Bangkok and the Central Investigation Bureau have been tasked to conduct thorough investigations, and arrests will be made immediately upon obtaining solid evidence.
