Department of Special Investigation (DSI): Countermeasures in Regard to the Investigation of Economic Crimes and Special Crimes in Thailand (From Annual Report for 2004 and Resource Material Series No. 66, P 171-178, 2005, Simon Cornell, ed. -- See NCJ-213348)

• NCJ Number: 213356
• Author(s): Sutthi Sookying
• Date Published: September 2005
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Japan

Annotation

This paper describes Thailand's mechanisms for dealing with economic crimes and special crimes in Thailand, with a focus on the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), which is responsible for preventing, suppressing, and investigating crimes that require specialized knowledge and investigative abilities.

Abstract

The economic crisis in Thailand in 1997 occurred partly because of the fraudulent activities of financial institutions and the stock market, which were inadequately regulated and monitored. This paper first lists and briefly describes 10 agencies that at that time were responsible for dealing with economic crimes in Thailand. The jurisdictions of these various agencies pertained to financial institutions, stock and securities exchange, tax collection and customs, money laundering, corruption of public officials, and economic crimes in general. The paper then outlines some of the problems associated with the investigation of economic crimes. These include a lack of cooperation among criminal justice agencies and among agencies working independently to deal with various types of economic crime. In 1997, two significant events occurred that changed the way Thailand approached economic crimes. One event was the economic crisis, and the other was the launching of a new Constitution. These events led to the radical reform of the legal system, the socioeconomic structure, and the government administrative system. The latter involved the creation of the Department of Special Investigation. The DSI is the country's primary unit for the investigation of economic crimes and other special crimes. DSI can appoint or invite any individuals with special expertise to join the investigation team, including experts from other countries. The DSI works closely with prosecutors and other agencies, bringing a collaborative effort to investigations and prosecutions not previously experienced in Thailand.