BANGKOK — Royal Thai Police achieved a 93% success rate in solving criminal cases this year, with 479,516 cases resolved out of more than 500,000 reported between January-December 26, 2024, according to National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitirat Phanphet. The announcement emphasizes continued strict enforcement across all crime dimensions, aligning with government and Royal Thai Police policies.
Out of the nearly 500,000 resolved cases, over 200,000 involved drug offenses while more than 30,000 were related to online/cyber crimes as follows:
1. Criminal Offenses (Five Categories):
- Total: 218,421 cases; 196,148 resolved (90% resolution rate); 237,223 suspects arrested.
- Severe and Shocking Crimes: 2,280 cases; 2,158 resolved (95% resolution rate); 3,003 suspects.
- Offenses Against Life, Body, and Sexuality: 16,618 cases; 15,790 resolved (95% resolution rate); 21,273 suspects.
- Property Crimes: 42,330 cases; 39,308 resolved (93% resolution rate); 47,297 suspects.
- High-Profile Crimes: 32,582 cases; 17,514 resolved (54% resolution rate); 21,238 suspects.
- State Damages: 124,611 cases; 121,378 resolved (97% resolution rate); 144,412 suspects.
2. Drug Suppression:
Drug suppression, a key government priority, resulted in:
- Total: 249,029 cases; 241,607 resolved; 250,878 suspects arrested.
- Major cases: 34,959.
- Seized assets: 118,836 items valued at 13 billion THB.
- Drugs seized: 1.026 billion methamphetamine tablets, 33,136 kg of crystal meth, 1,955 kg of heroin, 203,692 ecstasy pills, and 5,000 kg of ketamine.
3. Specialized Offenses:
- Total: 8,050 cases; 9,422 suspects arrested.
- Examples include offenses under the Child Protection Act and Forest Reserve Act.
4. Technology and Online Crime:
The Royal Thai Police, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has focused on combating online crime, handling:
- Total: 305,762 complaints, with damages totaling 35.4 billion THB.
- Frozen accounts: 336,943 accounts, recovering 7.3 billion THB.
- Resolved: 33,280 cases; 33,635 suspects arrested.
- Key types of online crimes:
- Financial fraud (2,901 cases; 2,896 suspects).
- Online sales and illegal goods fraud (4,858 cases; 4,973 suspects).
- Fake news and violations under the Computer Crime Act (6,117 cases; 5,857 suspects).
- Sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking (340 cases; 445 suspects).
- Online gambling and transnational crime (15,395 cases; 15,885 suspects).
- SIM card fraud and mule accounts (3,669 cases; 3,579 suspects).
5. Other Crimes:
- Total: 431 cases; 826 suspects arrested.
The Royal Thai Police has also established a task force to investigate high-profile crimes that have drawn public attention. Notable cases include:
- Fraud Case – The Icon Group Co., Ltd.: Involving 10,352 victims with damages of nearly 3 billion THB, resulting in 18 arrests and the seizure of multiple assets.
- Fraud Case – K2N Gold Co., Ltd. (Mother Tak Gold Case): With 3,827 victims and damages totaling 130 million THB, two suspects were arrested, six luxury cars were seized, and assets worth 70 million THB were confiscated.
- YouTuber Fraud Case (Natty): Involving 6,000 victims with damages of 2 billion THB, two suspects were extradited and arrested under 15 warrants.
- School Bus Fire Incident: Three suspects, including the driver, the owner and the operator of the vehicle, were charged with involuntary manslaughter and causing serious injury. The investigation also extended to others involved, such as those responsible for fuel tank modifications and inspections.
- Operations Against Influential Figures: The Royal Thai Police launched operations to crack down on influential figures, hired gunmen, and major criminals, establishing the Center for Combating Influential Figures and Major Offenders. The operations targeted criminal gangs, illegal money lending, influential individuals, bid-rigging, and public land encroachments, under two key missions:
- Operation “Protecting the People 767”: Raids were conducted at 183 locations, targeting 200 objectives. The operation resulted in the arrest of 87 suspects and the seizure of 880 firearms, military-grade weapons, 6,946 rounds of ammunition, 7,726,626 methamphetamine pills, and other items. Notable cases included bid-rigging gangs such as “Kamnan Nok” and drug trafficking groups like “Jib Phai Kiew” in Ayutthaya.
- Operation “CIB Crushing Influence”: This operation involved 118 raids, leading to the arrest of 102 suspects and the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, drugs, and other evidence. Significant cases included nationwide vehicle theft syndicates, wildlife smuggling in Ratchaburi, markets with illegal migrant operations in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district, and the suppression of influential figures in Prachinburi and other provinces.
In addition, the Royal Thai Police has introduced welfare initiatives to address police indebtedness, focusing on red flag cases (court cases) and financial discipline. Financial management, investment and savings programs have been introduced for police officers, starting at the academy level. Of the 11,810 participants, 7,835 have successfully settled debts totaling 10.8 billion THB.
For the new year, the Royal Thai Police has launched five initiatives for the public:
- Cyber Check: a tool to check scammers via suspicious phone numbers and bank account verification.
- Emergency reporting app for tourists: The Thai Tourist Police app provides information and assistance.
- Integrated call center for tourist assistance (1155): A centralized hub for solving tourist problems.
- Special discounts for accommodation: At The Cop Hotel and Villa Pattaya, for police officers and the public.
- Free nationwide camping facilities: Available at 205 locations from December 20, 2024 to January 10, 2025.
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