Bangkok: "Rutthaphol" kicked off a civil society network project for the prevention and suppression of money laundering, emphasizing that all sectors must cooperate to combat transnational crime, aiming to create security and safety for the lives and property of citizens, preventing them from becoming victims of threats.
According to Thai News Agency, Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Nawarat, Minister of Justice, presided over the Kick-off ceremony of the People's Network Project for the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering. The project aims to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, promote public awareness, expand collaboration nationwide, connect and coordinate with communities, and foster learning and collaborative work. The event was attended by provincial governors, government officials, private sector representatives, civil society representatives, representatives from international organizations, and members of the people's network for the prevention and suppression of money laundering.
Police Lieutenant General Ruttaphon stated that Thailand currently faces sophisticated threats and crimes with cross-border networks. A key factor supporting these criminal networks is the ownership of assets related to various offenses, particularly funds laundered through money laundering activities in drug trafficking, fraud, and other economic crimes. This impacts national security and public safety. All sectors are highly aware of this issue, as evidenced by the cooperation among countries prioritizing the prevention and suppression of money laundering. A global task force has been established, and the performance of member countries is evaluated to ensure compliance with international standards. Thailand has already undergone three evaluations, with the next scheduled for 2028, and is fully prepared for it.
Regarding the prevention and suppression of money laundering in Thailand, the government recognizes and prioritizes this issue, as stated in its policy statement to Parliament, aiming to ensure the security of citizens' lives and property from all forms of crime. However, government agencies alone cannot effectively solve the problem. Integration and cooperation from all sectors, especially the public, are necessary to create a driving force for change at both the community and national levels. Amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999) have expanded the role of civil society networks to include fostering cooperation and providing information for the prevention and suppression of money laundering, demonstrating the tangible importance of civil society networks in combating money laundering.
The Minister of Justice also commended all parties involved, marking a clear starting point for collaborative efforts in effectively preventing and suppressing money laundering. This demonstrates a commitment to a shift from a focus on law enforcement to collaborative efforts across all sectors, a crucial proactive strategy. To effectively drive this forward, cooperation from all parties is essential, especially provincial governors, who are key figures in translating government policy into practice and integrating cooperation at their respective areas. The Minister also instructed provincial governors and representatives from the Ministry of Interior to include this topic on the agenda for future provincial and district-level meetings.
While the key driving force is the Provincial Police Commander, in his capacity as law enforcement officer, who will pursue offenders to the fullest extent of the law, with cooperation from civil society networks in providing information, monitoring, and raising awareness of the threat to prevent people from becoming victims, it is believed that this project will be successful and benefit the public.