Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the removal of a Chinese-language billboard in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, that offered services to help people obtain passports and citizenship for several countries.
The minister’s secretary, Traisuree Taisaranakul, announced on Monday that Mr. Anutin took action after social media users highlighted the billboard and expressed concerns about its content at Huai Khwang intersection.
Mr. Anutin ordered the immediate removal of the billboard on Monday morning and instructed officials to investigate whether it had been legally erected and whether the business it advertised was legitimate. The findings will be made public, according to the minister’s secretary.
“The government facilitates visits to attract currency inflow and distribute income to people. Simultaneously, it prioritizes screening to prevent criminals from arriving as tourists and using Thailand as a base for illegal activities,” Ms. Traisuree said.
The billboard depicted a man of Chinese appearance with a Chinese name, holding a passport and advertising various fees in yuan (the Chinese currency) for applications for passports and citizenship of countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Vanuatu.
The controversy arose after Facebook user Pai Charudul posted a photo of the billboard on Sunday.
