Thailand’s Anutin Says Authorities Must Become ‘Mafia of the Mafias’

Thailand’s Anutin Says Authorities Must Become ‘Mafia of the Mafias’

PHUKET, May 10, 2026 — Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed a sweeping crackdown on criminal influence networks on Sunday, declaring that the state must become the “mafia of the mafias” to eliminate organised crime and local strongmen.

Speaking during a visit to Phuket province, Anutin said authorities would not tolerate influential criminal groups or individuals who intimidate weaker members of society.

“The top priority is that there must be no influential mafias in Thailand. There can be no mafia here — and certainly no big mafia,” Anutin said.

“If someone bullies those who are weaker or less powerful, state officials cannot tolerate it,” he added.

In remarks that quickly drew public attention, Anutin said authorities must be prepared to act more aggressively than criminal networks themselves.

“If there is to be any mafia, we must be the mafia of the mafias,” he said. “Street thugs and local mafias must face the ‘mafia’ of state authorities.”

The comments appeared intended to underscore the government’s readiness to use all available legal and enforcement mechanisms to dismantle organised criminal influence, particularly in areas linked to local power brokers, illicit businesses and intimidation networks.

Anutin said officials under his supervision would continue pursuing criminal groups without compromise.

“Please be assured that as long as I remain responsible, such things will not be allowed to happen,” he said.

The remarks come as Thai authorities intensify several high-profile investigations involving organised crime, illegal businesses and transnational criminal networks across the country.