Six officials have been arrested in Chiang Mai for allegedly falsifying permanent residency documents to grant Thai nationality to foreigners, mostly Chinese.
The two men and four women were arrested on Thursday in Chiang Dao district.
The suspects were two deputy district chiefs in Chiang Mai and four women who worked as municipal officials in Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai province.
The arrests were part of an investigation into corruption by public servants accused of falsifying permanent residency documents and facilitating the illegal acquisition of Thai nationality by foreigners, primarily Chinese nationals.
The six suspects were arrested on charges including performing or neglecting official duties unlawfully, certifying false official documents, and producing, using or supporting the use of falsified population registration documents.
The arrests were linked to an investigation in late November last year, when police and officials arrested the Wiang Haeng district chief and his associates for alleged bribery linked to applications for Thai citizenship and legal status for stateless persons.
The arresting team said the investigation would be expanded to identify other members of the network and to review additional documents that may have been fraudulently issued.
