KUALA LUMPUR – Thai police revealed that cross-border criminals operating between Thailand and Malaysia may be exploiting dual identification cards and even holding dual citizenship to evade capture.
Narathiwat district police chief Pratya Baitee explained this tactic allows criminals to slip back and forth across the border when pursued by authorities.
“This has caused confusion, and the Thai police were forced to seek assistance from their Malaysian counterparts for verification,” he stated during a recent visit from Kelantan media representatives, reported Bernama.
Pratya shared that in one case, a criminal arrested in Thailand held identification stating residency in Malaysia, despite a physical match to a person wanted in Thailand.
“Investigations showed that these individuals often carry cards with different information, making it difficult to confirm identities,” he noted.
Thai police are working closely with Malaysian law enforcement to verify suspects’ identities and ensure they’re transferred to Thailand if they appear on wanted lists.
“Identification is usually made by comparing the two identification cards found on the suspects if they are detained,” Pratya explained.
As part of this cooperation, images of suspects wanted by Thai police are displayed at border crossings and on billboards within Thailand, facilitating information sharing across the border. – November 15, 2024