In a dramatic turn of events, a Chinese woman known as Nasu was detained by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) for her involvement in placing a contentious advertisement promoting passport services for relocating to another country. The arrest took place at her condominium in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok. Nasu is accused of acting as an intermediary for a Hong Kong company, a claim she disclosed during interrogation at the Investigation Division of the Immigration Bureau.
Details of the Advertisement Operation
The operation, led by senior RTP officials Thiti Sangsawang and Itthiphon Itthisarnronchai, sought to dismantle the advertisement scheme. Nasu revealed that she received instructions via a Chinese application and coordinated through LINE, a popular messaging app in Thailand. Her responsibilities included organizing the rental and installation of the advertisement for a monthly payment of 150,000 baht for rental and 60,000 baht for creating the sign. Nasu earned US$500, approximately 17,000 baht, per advertisement. Despite her central role, she claimed ignorance of the contractor’s identity, identifying them solely through a picture on LINE.
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Legal and Security Concerns Raised
The authorities have charged Nasu with working without the necessary permits. The Huai Khwang District Director clarified that the building where the controversial sign was placed lacked the proper permits, emphasizing that there is no corruption among the officials. The Immigration Bureau stated that the advertisement had no connection with obtaining Thai nationality, calling it purely another country’s government’s prerogative. The billboard, which promoted passport services in Chinese for relocating abroad, has been removed from its spot at Huai Khwang intersection as the investigation continues.
Government’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for an urgent investigation into the origin of the passport and nationality advertising billboard. This is part of Anutin’s broader plans to intensify measures against crime hubs and protect the country’s image and public confidence. Ministry spokesperson Traisulee Traisaranakul emphasized the need for stringent inspection and monitoring to prevent Thailand from being used as a base for illegal activities.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a Move Forward party-list MP, expressed concerns about national security, suggesting that the billboard indicates a significant breach of the law. He noted that the advertisement, targeted at Chinese nationals, could mean that Thailand is becoming a center for global threats, tarnishing the country’s image and opening the door to international criminals.
Prime Minister’s Involvement
The controversy reached the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visiting Huai Khwang Police Station to underline his concern about the need to combat illegality. He ordered strict law enforcement in the area, emphasizing the need to control drug proliferation and illegal money lending. The Prime Minister also posted a message on X, highlighting the urgency of the investigation and the need for a clear answer from related authorities.
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The billboard, which offered legal passports and nationality within 30 days, included a price list for passports from countries like Indonesia, Vanuatu, Cambodia, and Turkey. This sparked outrage and prompted fears of Thailand being used as a hideout by Chinese criminals before moving to other countries. Deputy Immigration Bureau Chief Pol Maj-General Panthana Nuchanart noted that while some countries sell their nationality, this practice is strictly prohibited in Thailand.