Big Joke: Busts another visa agent using fake stamps – practice on the rise

Komchadluek reported that the prevalence of unscrupulous visa agents issuing bogus stamps is on the rise.

The agents are the target of immigration chief Lt-Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn.

Following last week’s arrests of a pair who had been working out of Laksi for ten years came news of the arrest of a 22-year-old man at a condo in Soi Lasalle (Sukhumvit Road Soi 105), Bang Na, Bangkok.

Chatcharin Saraphan was found in possession of a great deal of damning evidence. He was arrested on a Chonburi warrant after providing fake stamps and fake documentation for migrant workers of three nationalities in the Sri Racha area.

Lt-Gen Surachate said action was taken after an intermediary supposedly acting in good faith with the suspect was found in possession of fake visas and work permits in several cases.

Chatcharin was hunted for three days and was eventually apprehended in the Lasalle area where he was using his condo as a visa and work permit office.

Fake stamps of many kinds and fake documentation were found there and at a friend’s house in Sri Racha stored in a box.

Eleven Non-Immigrant LA documentation items were being processed.

The Thai media called it an increasing problem and Surachate warned the public and prospective migrants not to believe stories of agents who can offer services outside of normal hours.

Don’t believe their promises, he said, lest you become a victim of this crime too. He called for help from the public in the continuing efforts to crack down on this crime.

Source: Komchadluek