Thanakorn Urges Immediate Crackdown on Chinese Gray Groups in Thailand.

Bangkok: Former Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, has called upon the Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, and Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, to implement strict measures against Chinese gray groups operating in Thailand. This appeal follows the discovery of illegal gambling operations conducted via mobile casinos on social media platforms such as WeChat. According to Thai News Agency, Thanakorn, who is also the Deputy Leader of the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party (RTSP) and an MP, highlighted the recent police raid on a gambling den in Huai Khwang. The establishment, disguised as a restaurant, was found to be a front for illegal gambling, with most suspects being Chinese nationals. This incident is part of a broader trend of Chinese groups forming gangs and engaging in illegal activities, including gambling, drug smuggling, and mafia operations, which pose a significant threat to Thailand's national security. Thanakorn expressed con cern over the brazenness of these groups, who use social media to arrange illegal activities across various areas, not just Huai Khwang. He urged the authorities to prevent Thailand from being used as a base for criminal enterprises, such as the smuggling of substandard goods, illegal business operations, and the formation of gambling and drug gangs. He emphasized the need for a stringent law enforcement response to protect the interests of Thai citizens and uphold national security. In his statement, Thanakorn stressed the importance of not allowing these illegal groups to exploit Thailand's resources and urged Anutin and Big Tai, the national police chief, to take decisive action. He reiterated the need for a robust legal framework to deter foreign nationals from using Thailand as a haven for criminal activities, highlighting the long-standing nature of such threats to the country's security and sovereignty.