Tak immigration chief reassigned amid trafficking concerns
The Immigration Bureau has transferred the superintendent of Tak Immigration to a different post following reports of foreign nationals disappearing after being deceived into entering Thailand. The incident is suspected to be linked to human trafficking activities in Tak province.
Police Major General Prashaya Prasansuk, the Acting Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, signed an order (No. 24/2025, dated February 12) for the transfer of personnel. This follows media reports of tourists being lured into Thailand by fraudsters and subsequently disappearing near the Myanmar border, specifically in the districts of Mae Sot, Mae Ramat, and Phop Phra in Tak province.
In response to the situation, the Superintendent of Tak Immigration, Police Colonel Bowornpop Sunthornrekha, has been reassigned to the Immigration Bureau’s Operations Centre. This decision aims to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and to determine whether police officials were involved in any disciplinary misconduct. The move is intended to protect the image of the Immigration Bureau and the country while ensuring effective operation within the bureau.
Given the potential impact on Thailand’s image and the suspicion of police involvement in disciplinary or criminal misconduct, the decision was made to transfer Police Colonel Bowornpop from his current duties. This follows Section 66 of the National Police Act 2022, and related regulations. He will serve at the Immigration Bureau’s Operations Centre until further notice, reported KhaoSod.
Simultaneously, Police Major General Prashaya issued another order (No. 25/2025), appointing Police Colonel Phloen Klinpayom, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, as the Acting Superintendent of Tak Immigration. This appointment is effective immediately and will remain in place until a new order is issued.
In similar news, Thai police dismantled Fiwfans, an alleged human trafficking network, in a major breakthrough announced by National Police Chief, Police General Thatchai Pitanilabut, on January 24.
The operation led to the rescue of two teenage girls, aged 16 and 17, and exposed a criminal network that had reportedly operated for over four years, generating more than 3 billion baht.
Investigations revealed around 46,000 women, including minors as young as 15, were involved. Police arrested five suspects, including a recruiter and four administrators, who allegedly used advanced IT tactics to evade detection.
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