Chiang Rai ID Scam Targets Ethnic Minorities Near Mae Sai Border

Scammers are targeting ethnic minorities in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, with fraudulent promises of expedited alien identity cards. These individuals falsely claim connections with powerful local officials to extort large sums of money from vulnerable border residents. Several victims have already lost significant amounts. One recent victim, a 54-year-old Tai Yai woman from Pong Pha sub-district, reported to Mae Sai police that a broker named Ms. Oei promised to upgrade her ethnic status to an official alien card. She paid a 6,000 baht deposit for a promised total of 43,000 baht. Upon receiving the deposit, Ms. Oei vanished. Mae Sai District Chief Warayut Khoybun has issued a stern warning to local leaders and administrative staff to be vigilant against these illegal brokers. He clarified that obtaining alien identity cards is a standard government duty with no hidden costs or broker fees. Applicants only pay the official, low legal fees set by the national government, for which receipts are always provided. The district chief urged residents to report any suspicious activity involving advance cash payments to authorities immediately. This is crucial for enhancing border security and community safety. Mae Sai, a busy border town, hosts many ethnic minority groups who are often targeted due to a lack of awareness about legal processes. Local authorities are intensifying efforts to disseminate accurate information about official government services and educate residents about their legal rights through community meetings. The primary objective is to prevent further financial losses to families from these cruel scams.