Sukhumvit a key hideout for yakuza gangsters
POLICE said downtown Sukhumvit’s Japanese zone is the top hiding place for yakuza criminals who flee prosecution to live in this country, Thai News Agency reported today (Jan. 12).
After travelling to Thailand on tourist visa, these wanted gangsters usually cut off all contacts with Japan and throw their passports away to avoid being tracked down and arrested.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Ittiphol Ittisarnronnachai, the deputy head of Immigration Police, added that these wanted criminals also usually marry a Thai woman to facilitate living in this country.
He was speaking after the arrest of Mr Shikeharu Shirei, 72, a head of Yamaguchi-gumi gang, at central Lopburi province on Wednesday.
Immigration police have found out that the suspect came to Thailand in 2006 after allegedly leading 7 subordinates in killing the deputy head of rival Kamiya gang and against whom an arrest warrant had been issued.
Similar to the established pattern, this suspect too has a Thai wife.
Immigration police will soon be launching a sweep of Japanese zones in Bangkok, and if any security risks are found or anything related to prostitution or tricking Thai women into prostitution, then a crackdown will be immediately launched.
CAPTIONS:
Top: The suspect Mr Shikeharu Shirei after his arrest yesterday. Photo: News.ch7.com
In-text: Pol. Maj. Gen. Ittiphol talking to the press today. Photo: Thai News Agency
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