The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has reported an uptick in the creation and usage of fake ID cards by Thai citizens, especially criminals.
DSI Director General Tarit Pengdith said most Thais who own fake ID cards are either implicated in criminal cases or on the run. He cited the recent case of former politician Somchai Khunpluem, better known as Kamnan Poh or the “Godfather of Chonburi,” who was arrested after having fled murder charges years ago.
Some miscreants use the names of deceased when applying for ID cards while some simply duplicate the names of the living, he said.
Mr Tarit said investigations in Wiang Haeng district of Chiang Mai province found the issuance of 18,587 fake ID cards to Thai citizens in 2008-2009, MCOT reported.
