Crackdown looms on Mafia-style influential figures

Prawit said he would issue the operation’s official order later yesterday or today after Prayut signs the appointment of the working committee, to be chaired by Prawit and comprising representatives from the National Council for Peace and Order, the Interior Ministry, the Royal Thai Police and related agencies.
Prawit said the policy would focus on the suppression of crimes featuring military-grade weapons. He also revealed that the government was considering introducing a law to prohibit the carrying of weapons. He said Mafia-style figures at entertainment venues would also be investigated and, if any military or police personnel were found to be involved, their supervisors would also be held accountable, he added.
In related news, Police Commissioner General Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda yesterday said he was ready to cooperate with the nationwide crackdown on Mafia-style influential figures.
He said the police force had some information on the influential figures in question and was waiting for Prawit to call another meeting on the matter. Police have also started monitoring big cities such as Chon Buri, Phetchaburi, Lop Buri and Chai Nat, which were known to have many influential figures, he said.
At a Cabinet meeting last Tuesday, Prayut issued a six-month deadline for related authorities to rid the country of Mafia-style influential figures, be they politicians, soldiers, police or bureaucrats.