Police crack down on illegal residents, gambling in Samut Prakan

Immigration officers in Samut Prakan recently conducted a sweeping crackdown on illegal foreign residents and unlawful gambling activities. The operation, which took place yesterday, September 1, was led by high-ranking officials including Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai.

Police targeted the area in Samrong Nua subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan district. The directive for this crackdown came from Police Major General Natthakorn Praphas, who instructed Police Colonel Sumet Jenwongpitak and other officers to inspect the area for violations of the Immigration Act of 1979 and other relevant laws.

During the inspection, officers discovered a 24 year old Myanmar national, Nan Khan Mai, selling illegal lottery tickets. The officers identified themselves and proceeded to apprehend her. Upon investigation, it was found that she had a substitute document instead of a valid passport, specifically a NON-LA visa.

The officers charged Nan Khan Mai with several offences under the Immigration Act, including “being a foreigner in the Kingdom without permission” and “working without a work permit or beyond the rights allowed.”

Additionally, she was charged with illegally running a lottery gambling operation without the necessary authorisation. She was handed over to the Samrong Nua Police Station for legal proceedings.

In a statement, Sumet urged the public to report any suspicious activities or foreign individuals who might pose a threat. He emphasised the importance of community cooperation in aiding immigration officers to ensure the law is upheld, reported KhaoSod.

The Immigration Act of 1979, which governs the legal framework for foreigners residing in Thailand, stipulates strict regulations regarding entry, stay, and employment in the country. Violations of these regulations can result in severe penalties, including arrest and deportation for the illegal residents.

In other news, cyber police raided and arrested a loan shark in Nakhon Si Thammarat who charged exorbitant interest rates of 10% per month and accepted vehicles and firearms as collateral. The suspect confessed.