Thai authorities arrest three for forging visa documents

The Thai authorities arrested three agency operators for forging documents to submit visa applications to various embassies, seizing numerous counterfeit items. The suspects confessed to their crimes and are now facing legal proceedings.

At 11am yesterday, at the Immigration Office in Mueang Thong Thani, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Panthana Nuchnarot, along with Deputy Commander-in-Chief Ratchachot Chotikoon and other relevant officers, announced the results of an investigation coordinated with several embassies in Thailand.

These embassies had raised suspicions that hundreds of Thai nationals applying for visas to European countries were submitting fake documents. Upon receiving these concerns, the Immigration Bureau’s specialised unit was instructed to verify the documents.

The investigation revealed that many of the documents submitted by Thai applicants, such as employment certificates, bank statements, and financial endorsements, were counterfeit. Further investigation identified a group of agency companies facilitating these fraudulent visa applications for Thai nationals. Armed with sufficient evidence, search warrants were obtained to raid the premises of these agencies.

The first raid took place at a condominium in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. The unit’s owner, 49 year old Nakorn, was present during the search. Officers found 23 counterfeit documents, including fake bank statements and employment certificates.

Nakorn was arrested on charges of forging documents and taken to Pak Kret Police Station for legal processing. The investigation also revealed that Nakorn had outsourced the forgery to another individual, paying 5,000 baht per set. Authorities are currently gathering evidence to prosecute the forger.

Further raids

The second raid occurred at a company in Sai Mai District, where 40 year old Thanyanaree identified herself as the owner. The search uncovered 27 fake items, including various company stamps, counterfeit bank statements, and forged employment certificates.

Thanyanaree admitted to creating the counterfeit documents herself and coaching clients on how to handle potential interview questions at embassies. She was arrested on charges of forging documents and taken to Sai Mai Police Station for further legal action.

The third raid took place at a limited partnership in Mueang District, Udon Thani Province. The company’s owner, 48 year old Naphatcha was present during the search. Authorities found 12 counterfeit items, including company stamps and fake bank deposit certificates.

Naphatcha confessed to hiring a broker to produce the fake documents, paying between 5,000 and 7,000 baht per document. She would then review and forward these documents to her clients for visa applications. However, most applications were rejected by the embassies, reported KhaoSod.

Naphatcha was arrested and taken to Mueang Udon Thani Police Station on charges of forging documents for legal proceedings.