Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Officials on the hunt for corrupt border guards blamed for Covid spread

Published

Thursday, December 24, 2020 09:35

PHOTO: DIY Travel HQ

The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has put the Deputy Defence Minister in charge of hunting down crooked border officials whose corruption is thought to be behind the latest Covid-19 outbreak. With most of the new infections detected in Burmese migrant workers in the central province of Samut Sakhon, it’s believed many have been smuggled into Thailand illegally, bypassing mandatory quarantine.

Now, Deputy Defence Minister Chaichan Changmongkol is hunting down corrupt officials who may have turned a blind eye to such people trafficking operations. National Police Chief Suwat Jangyodsuk says officials have received information about a people smuggling gang, which is being investigated further. Thailand has a total of 6 immigration offices and 93 checkpoints to screen those using legitimate crossings from Myanmar. However, the border is extremely porous, with many unguarded natural crossings. Officials are particularly concerned about 2 areas in the northern province of Chiang Rai, as well as the district of Mae Sot in Tak province, and 3 other points in the southern province of Ranong.

Chaowalit Sangkarit from the Royal Thai Army says the military has been cleared of any involvement in people smuggling, as the traffickers normally use boats to cross the marine border in Ranong. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy says all immigrants found crossing by sea have been checked and are legal.

Speculation continues however, that people smugglers use normal border crossings, but bribe officials to allow undocumented migrants to enter. It’s thought that the PM has been provided with the names of those involved and is waiting for additional evidence before their identities are revealed.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand

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6 Comments

disgusted `

Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 10:04 am

corruption starts at top and goes all the way to the bottom and is rife in Thailand.
nothing will change as long as corruption is allowed to go on.

Reply
- Issan John
  
  Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 10:16 am
  
  Sadly all too true.
  
  A few minnows will be “caught”, while the sharks will carry on unchallenged.
  
  Reply
  - James Pate
    
    Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 1:41 pm
    
    They’re not sharks.? They’re “influential people”.???
    
    Reply
EdwardV

Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 10:51 am

“ hunting down crooked border officials ” – just drop the border part and get going!

Reply
lootarzoon

Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 11:31 am

Brassing air, big talkings then no actual deep enforcement actions needed since not enough space in courts & prisons for the all corrupt lines from bottom to top ! !! The cancer already won, no hope for an healthier life on earth

Reply
- TS
  
  Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 3:43 pm
  
  no worries- PM PCOC will hunt them down??
  
  Reply

Maya Taylor

A seasoned writer, with a degree in Creative Writing. Over ten years' experience in producing blog and magazine articles, news reports and website content.

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