CHIANG MAI– Region 5 Police launched a massive crime suppression campaign before Songkran, arresting nearly 800 suspects. They seized over 640 illegal firearms and more than 3,600 rounds of ammunition. Notably, a man and a woman were caught at a bank counter while attempting to withdraw money for an online scam network that impersonated military officials.
On April 9, 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Krittapon Yisakorn, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, held a press conference regarding the intensive crime sweep conducted from March 25 to April 5, 2026. The operation focused on illegal weapons and tracking down individuals with outstanding warrants across eight upper northern provinces to ensure safety for citizens and tourists during the upcoming holidays.
Key Results of the Operation:
- Illegal Weapons: 784 suspects were arrested. Police seized 675 firearms (643 of which were unregistered), along with explosives and 3,655 rounds of ammunition. Region 5 ranked 3rd nationally for these results.
- Arrest Warrants: 1,216 warrants were cleared, including general crimes, cybercrimes, and drug cases. Among these were 62 warrants for serious or violent crimes.
The “Mule Account” Arrest:
A significant bust occurred on April 1 at the Kasikorn Bank (Meechok Plaza branch). Investigators arrested two suspects, identified as Ms. Supassara and Mr. Sornram.
The duo was caught while withdrawing 445,500 THB in cash. This money belonged to a victim who had been tricked by a call center scam claiming to be military officials. The scammers had convinced the victim to “reserve” funds for the purchase of traffic barriers.
The suspects confessed they were paid to open “mule accounts” (accounts used by criminals to move money) and travel around to withdraw cash. Police seized the cash to return it to the victim and are charging the pair with organized crime (Ang-Yee).
Official Police Warning:
Police Region 5 issued a strong warning to the public:
- Do not let others use your bank account, ATM card, or SIM card.
- The Penalty: Under the 2023 Cybercrime Prevention Measures, allowing others to use your accounts or phone numbers for crime carries a penalty of up to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to 300,000 THB, or both.
- Stiffer Penalties: Those who advertise or act as brokers to buy/sell/rent bank accounts face 2 to 5 years in prison and fines between 200,000 and 500,000 THB.
The authorities urged citizens not to be tempted by small payments for opening accounts, as the legal consequences are severe and cause widespread social harm.
