More than 35,000 suspects have been arrested during a major crackdown on illegal activities nationwide launched by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) last week.
RTP deputy spokesman Songpol Wattanachai said Monday that police apprehended more than 35,000 suspects wanted in connection with criminal activities from April 1-9.
They were held for offences including murder, theft, rape, embezzlement and trafficking narcotics, he said.
The majority were detained under more than 8,000 warrants issued by the Provincial Police Region 1, which covers nine provinces in the vicinity of Bangkok and the Central Plains.
Many others were arrested under 5,000 warrants issued by the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB). About 4,000 of the warrants were issued by the Provincial Police Region 4, covering 11 provinces in the Northeast, the police said. The raids were conducted in response to an order issued by Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda, the national chief of police, who instructed police agencies nationwide to crack down on crime.
During this week's Songkran festival, Pol Maj Gen Songpol said the RTP is also working with state agencies to provide security and assistance for people who travel during the long holiday to prevent road accidents. Security measures will also be tightened nationwide, particularly in tourist spots.
Pol Maj Gen Songpol said more than 3,000 homeowners were expected to leave their places in the care of police during the holidays under the RTP's "Leaving Home with the Police" campaign.
People who witness suspicious or criminal activities can call the police hotline at 191 or alert officers via the smartphone app "POLICE I LERT YOU".