Cybercrime, nominee businesses down 60% after crackdown: PM

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed today that offences related to cybercrime, scam operations and foreign-owned businesses using Thais as proxies have dropped by about 60% following a massive crackdown over the past three months.

At a press conference held today to announce the outcome of the anti-crime drive, the prime minister said that his government has added the fight against cybercrime and nominee businesses to the national agenda because they pose a serious threat to the public and the economy.

He said that some unscrupulous foreigners have taken advantage of legal loopholes by using Thai nationals as proxies when establishing companies to engage in illegal businesses.

He thanked Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, the national police chief, saying that he was lucky to have the support of a friend like him.

The prime minister claimed that the success of the crackdown on scam operations and other forms of cybercrime has gained international recognition and restored confidence. He added that he was satisfied with the performance of the police and relevant agencies, while vowing that the suppression would continue.

Regarding the issue of foreign businesses using Thais as proxies with the help of influential figures, the prime minister said that police would make arrests without warning, adding that the foreigners would face deportation and be declared persona non grata.