BANGKOK — The Minister of Justice has announced that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to issue arrest warrants for Maung Chit Thu, the leader of the Border Guard Force (BGF), and a group of Chinese nationals involved in human trafficking in the “Golden Triangle”,” a hub of cross-border crime. The trial will be conducted by extradition.
Pol. Col. Thavee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, explained that DSI, an agency under the Ministry of Justice, is collecting evidence in a human trafficking case to submit to the prosecutor’s office. The case involves the issuance of arrest warrants against BGF leaders, including Col. Saw Chit Thu (also known as Col. Maung Chit Thu), Lt. Col. Moe Thet Htun and Maj. Tin Win.
He pointed out that this case dates back several years and involves Thai nationals who were detained in a neighboring country and were later found to be linked to human trafficking networks. In addition to these three people, other foreign nationals are also involved in the case.
When asked whether these names were the same as those of Liu Zhongyi, Vice Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, Pol. Col. Thavee clearly stated that this is not the case. Instead, they are based on the DSI’s own findings. However, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation as these individuals are prominent figures in public discourse.
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and other agencies have gathered additional information. Since the crimes were committed outside the jurisdiction, prosecutors in charge of such cases must be consulted when issuing arrest warrants.
Although this case is being pursued amid ongoing crackdowns on call center fraud syndicates, Pol. Col. Thavee that the DSI works strictly on the basis of evidence and does not react to specific events. He emphasized that DSI investigators must be both qualified and impartial to ensure a speedy and fair trial.
Next steps include expanding investigations into money laundering and asset seizures. As soon as discussions between prosecutors and investigators progress, the Director General of the DSI will make an official announcement.
Regarding the procedure for issuing arrest warrants, Pol. Col. Thavee explained that suspects usually have to be arrested first. As human trafficking is a transnational crime within ASEAN, no country is expected to harbor the perpetrators. Thailand will coordinate with ASEAN members and China on cooperation.
He acknowledged that areas controlled by ethnic armed groups are within Myanmar’s territory, but reiterated that justice will be served. He emphasized that it is not difficult to apprehend these individuals — what matters is the political will of the leaders to act. If the heads of state and government recognize this problem as a threat to all nations, cooperation is essential.
“I would like to emphasize that these crimes have been going on for years and we must target the masterminds, instigators and those behind them. If we only deal with the victims of human trafficking, we will not solve the root causes of the problem,” he said.
Pol. Col. Thavee also said that arrest warrants will also be issued for Chinese nationals involved in the case. Thailand has been coordinating closely with the ambassadors of China and the United States. The US ambassador recently met with him and briefed him on American citizens who have been victims of scams related to this cross-border crime.
He described such crimes as a humanitarian catastrophe affecting people around the world, with the Golden Triangle serving as a central hub for these criminal activities, including drug production. Investigations will focus on tracking financial transactions and ensuring rigorous cooperation between the relevant authorities.
Rangsiman Rome, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party and Chairman of the House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and Country Reform, stated that Maung Chit Thu is a key figure in these transnational crimes. He is heavily involved with both Thai and Myanmar grey money operations and bribery. The issuance of arrest warrants is therefore the right approach.
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