Visa agent issuing fake visa stamps arrested in Bangkok
In a press conference on February 20, immigration chief Lt-Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, revealed that the immigration bureau arrested on a Chonburi warrant a 22-year-old Thai visa agent for issuing fake visa stamps and bogus documentation. The arrest was made on February 18 at a condo in Soi Lasalle (Sukhumvit Road Soi 105), Bang Na, Bangkok.
The man, identified as Chatcharin Saraphan, was found in possession of several fake stamps and documentation for migrant workers of three nationalities in the Sri Racha area, as well as computers and printers which the authorities believed were used for the unscrupulous deed. The man’s condo was also used as his visa and work permit office.
Arrests of people involved in issuing fake visas have been making rounds on social media, prompting local media to call it an increasing problem.
In January, three immigration police, two Thai men and a Nigerian, have been arrested for colluding in forging visa stamps for foreigners entering the country illegally.
Last week, a pair in Laksi who had issued fake visas and 90-day stamps for ten years was busted by the immigration.
If you want to apply for a visa and a work permit, you must submit your complete and accurate documents within the timeframe set by the government, Surachate warned the public. Don’t believe anyone who claims to make documents for you outside the timeframe to avoid yourself being a victim, he said.
Surachate asked the public for help to report any information they get to end this crime.
Sources: Komchadluek, Thaivisa, Bangkok Post
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