The minister’s secretary, Traisuree Taisaranakul, said yesterday (July 22) that Anutin acted after social media users drew attention to and expressed concern about a billboard at Huai Khwang intersection, reports the Bangkok Post.
Anutin ordered the immediate removal of the billboard yesterday morning. He instructed officials to look into whether it had been legally erected and whether the business was legal. The findings would be made public, the minister’s secretary said.
“The government facilitates visits to attract currency inflow and distribute income to people. Simultaneously it prioritises screening to prevent criminals from arriving as tourists and using Thailand as a base for illegal activities,” Ms Traisuree said.
The billboard pictured a man of Chinese appearance with a Chinese name holding a passport and advertising various fees in yuan, the Chinese currency, for applications for passports and citizenship of countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey and Vanuatu.
The controversy arose after a photo of the billboard was posted by Facebook user Pai Charudul on Sunday.