IS operatives could be among illegal over-stayers hiding out in Thailand, says deputy PM

Thailand’s deputy Prime Minister has suggested that IS operatives could be among the more than 100,000 people currently on overstay in the kingdom, said Khao Jing the Thai version of Benar News.

Prawit Wongsuwan was speaking to the news media about a countrywide crackdown on illegal over-stayers, many of whom are involved in serious crime in the kingdom.

Prawit spoke of 100,000 plus people on overstay though other reports are putting the figure at more like 200,000.

He was reported on Khao Jing as saying that IS members could be among the people that are being targeted in the raids across the country. He hopers IS members will be caught up in the widespread net being cast for the illegals.

The news media again referred to the alleged paying of 100 million in bribes in Phuket to allow illegals to remain in Thailand. Khao Jing stated that this money had been paid to corrupt local police in Phuket.

They said that 142 arrests were made in the southern Thai resort last week. Of these 62 were Indian, 11 from Pakistan and 6 from Egypt.

They said 70 were on overstay.

They included a picture taken in the Nana area of Bangkok as evidence that the overstay sweep was being conducted in Bangkok.

Sources in the far south doubt claims that IS operatives are in Thailand, reported Khao Jing.

Thai Visa / Khao Jing

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