FACTORS THAT LEAD TO PASSPORT FORGERY CRIMES IN THAILAND

Abstract

This research aims to analyze factors that lead to passport forgery crimes in Thailand. Data were collected from various sources, including public media, official documents, related research, and in-depth interviews with key informants such as experienced law enforcement officers, former counterfeiters, and document forgers. A total of 10 participants were interviewed.

The study revealed several common factors, including economic factors, that motivate people to enter the document forgeries industry, such as the desire for wealth and a better life due to past obstacles in their country of origin. The psychological factor also influences and encourages individuals to imitate or be inspired by criminal behavior, which they may learn through self-study from the internet or previous experience. When facing trouble or financial problems, individuals may use their expertise and skills to commit crimes without restraint. Social factors also lead individuals to associate with offenders who persuade them to learn organized crime processes, procedures, and patterns based on trust from their ethnic backgrounds. To prevent and resolve transnational crimes involving the use of fake travel documents in Thailand, strict prosecution and penalties are needed to prevent individuals from entering the country to commit these crimes. The government should be authoritarian and keep pace with rapid technological changes by proactively working and integrating across organizations. Besides, government agencies should develop relationships with the public sector to jointly inspect gathering sites and foreign crime groups and report any suspicious activities to prevent their area of influence. Moreover, specialized training should be conducted to enhance the knowledge of officers involved in technical inspection and verification.