Israeli land network in Pattaya faces law - Bangkok Post

Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat in the NBT's Talk with Anutin's cabinet programme on Saturday. (Photo Screenshot) Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat says authorities are preparing legal action against a suspected network of Israeli nationals holding land in Pattaya as part of investigations into transnational crime.

Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon said the Department of Special Investigation had uncovered a large network connected to the alleged landholding scheme.

The Pattaya investigation forms part of broader efforts targeting transnational crime. 

Addressing online scams, the minister said the Royal Thai Police, banking groups and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) had established the Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC) to rapidly trace and freeze funds once complaints are filed.

The centre has helped return more than 130 million baht to nearly 600 victims.

In cases where assets have been seized, police and DSI investigators coordinate with Amlo to auction confiscated property, including luxury vehicles, and distribute the proceeds to victims.

Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon also highlighted the government's anti-narcotics campaign.

Authorities have focused on intercepting drug trafficking routes before narcotics enter Thailand, particularly through Myanmar and Laos, while targeting traffickers, influential figures and their assets.

On household debt relief, the minister said 23 mediation events were held nationwide in fiscal 2026, attracting more than 60,000 participants and generating over 40,000 debt-settlement requests covering claims worth more than 8 billion baht.