Concerns Rise Over Controversial Citizenship Billboard Tied to Crime
PUBLISHED: 22 Jul 2024 at 17:41
A contentious Chinese-language billboard promoting fast-track passport and citizenship services was taken down on Monday, amidst ongoing investigations into its legality and linked business practices.
Top officials, including the Prime Minister and national police chiefs, swiftly responded to the situation.
The massive advertisement alarmed authorities due to potential links to undesirable elements, particularly individuals from China connected to forgery and various fraudulent activities.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited local police to mandate an investigation into the billboard’s placement and the potential illicit operations in Huai Khwang, which has seen a surge in Chinese investments.
National police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol tasked the Metropolitan Police Bureau with verifying the billboard’s ownership and assessing its legality, as indicated by deputy police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor.
A swift prosecution of any wrongdoers was emphasized, alongside calls for the Immigration Bureau to ensure stringent checks on visitors and foreign residents moving forward, balancing tourism with security effectively.
This situation escalated after concerns were voiced on social media regarding the Chinese-language billboard located at Huai Khwang intersection.
The advertisement claimed to offer expedited citizenship solutions for refugees, asserting that new citizenship could be arranged in just 30 days while ensuring personal data confidentiality before any fees were taken.
Illustrations of various passports, including those from Indonesia, Cambodia, Turkey, and Vanuatu, were featured prominently on the billboard.
The Department of Provincial Administration has initiated an inquiry, with sources suggesting the billboard was only erected the previous day.
Officials suspect the service being advertised may be associated with fraudulent activities aimed at exploiting the wealth of individuals seeking new citizenship.
The Department of Provincial Administration is in contact with the billboard’s owner and evaluating potential legal repercussions.
This controversial advertisement was removed around 10 a.m. on Monday, following direct orders from Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Huai Khwang district chief Paitoon Ngammuk confirmed that his office is scrutinizing the billboard’s legality and verifying whether the owner has complied with tax and regulatory obligations.
