 has formed a central task force to step up invoking laws against an array of criminal offenders, ranging from drug traffickers to nightclub operators exceeding their closing time.){kind=link}
The Department of Provincial Administration (DPA) has formed a central task force to step up invoking laws against an array of criminal offenders, ranging from drug traffickers to nightclub operators exceeding their closing time.
The nationwide operation will start on Nov 1 and is part of a policy introduced by Anutin Charnvirakul, the new interior minister, to ensure law and order, said Suttipong Juljarern, the ministry permanent secretary.
He was speaking in a video conference with provincial governors around the country yesterday.
Each province may also set up its own task forces to support the central unit which will work around the clock, he said.
Core responsibilities of the task force include inspecting nightspots to ensure they comply with closing times, enforcing the minimum age for patrons, prohibiting drug use in the vicinity and banning weapons and gambling on-site, he said. Nightspots operating without a permit face a crackdown.
The task force will also support the ministry’s nationwide suppression of mafia-like criminal activity.
The public, meanwhile, are being encouraged to supply the ministry with more information about illegal activities. They can submit information to the ministry’s Damrongdham centres nationwide, he said.
The centres will extend their working hours to 6am-6pm every day, he said.
More security checkpoints will be set up as intelligence is gathered on illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal weapons handling, illegal gambling and more, he said.
On Friday, the DPA distributed a total of 5,000 body cameras to administrative officials across the country for use at security checkpoints and when investigating crimes.
The body camera is required under the 2022 Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, which took effect on Feb 22.