The Thai government is cracking down on influential figures believed to have a negative impact on the country. A committee will monitor the individuals closely to assess if they have been involved in any of the 16 types of crime. #Thailand #governmentcrackdown #crimewatch #tourism #travelasia
Identifying “Dark” Influencers
The government has completed a list of 600-700 “influential figures” believed to have a dark influence on various regions of the country. This list will undergo a review by a committee. Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset disclosed that close to 100 individuals on the list are considered “hardcore” and have been placed in a red group, while the remaining names are in a yellow group and are being closely monitored. Freelance gunmen for hire are also included in this list.
Review Process and Criteria
Chada Thaiset has not personally seen the list, which remains confidential. The committee, established by the Interior Ministry, will screen the list today, cross-checking names against the databases of police and security agencies. The individuals will be assessed based on whether they have been involved in any of the 16 types of crime that serve as criteria for the classification of influential figures or those wielding dark influence.
These 16 types of crime include illegal money lending, collusion in bidding for government contracts, illegal brokerage fees collection from bus operators, business extortion, smuggling, gambling den operations, illegal sex trade, human trafficking, fraudulent schemes targeting workers seeking overseas employment, tourist scams, being a hired gunman, forceful debt collection, illegal weapons dealing, encroachment on state land, bribery on public highways, and involvement in illicit drugs.
Addressing Local Authorities and Drug Use
Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset will also tour the country, meeting with local chiefs to discuss concerns about illegal activities. Those taking on the roles of village and tambon chiefs will be required to undergo urine tests to detect illegal drug use.
Chada Thaiset mentioned that he was once listed as an “influential figure” in his home province of Uthai Thani. However, he proved that he hadn’t engaged in any illegal activities, resulting in the removal of his name from the list. “I am now a cabinet minister working for the country,” he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are the “influential figures” categorized?
The government has compiled a list of 600-700 “influential figures” believed to have a dark influence on various regions of the country. Close to 100 individuals on the list are considered “hardcore” and have been placed in a red group, while the remaining names are in a yellow group and are being closely monitored. Freelance gunmen for hire are also included in this list.
2. What is the review process and criteria for the list of influential figures?
The committee established by the Interior Ministry will screen the list, cross-checking names against databases of police and security agencies. The individuals will be assessed based on whether they have been involved in any of the 16 types of crime that serve as criteria for the classification of influential figures or those wielding dark influence. These crimes range from illegal money lending to involvement in illicit drugs.
3. What actions will be taken to address local authorities and drug use?
Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaiset will tour the country, meeting with local chiefs to discuss concerns about illegal activities. Village and tambon chiefs will be required to undergo urine tests to detect illegal drug use. Chada Thaiset’s own experience of being listed as an “influential figure” but proving his innocence serves as a reminder that not all listed individuals are necessarily involved in illegal activities.
