Deputy PM orders illegal migrant crackdown

BANGKOK, Oct 8 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered authorities to crackdown on illigal migrants within one month and asks the general public to help by providing information on any suspicious activities. Lt Gen Kongcheep Tantawanich, the spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said that Gen Prawit has ordered security agencies to ensure the safety of tourists by taking immediate action on foreign criminal elements disguised as tourists that have been using Thailand as a base of operations. This came about following concerns from local residents that have noticed a rise in foreign nationals overstaying and running suspicious businesses both within Bangkok and other provinces. The spokesman said Gen Prawit had ordered the Royal Thai Police to coordinate with the Immigration Bureau to identify and then track down foreign nationals who have overstayed or gained illegal entry. The individuals on international police watch lists must be prioritised. Gen Prawit wanted these individuals to be evicted from the country within one month. (TNA)