Financial Crime World

Thai Department of Special Investigation (DSI): Stepping Up the Fight Against Economic Crimes and Special Crimes

Background

The Thai Department of Special Investigation (DSI) was established in 2002 as part of the criminal justice system reform in response to the 1997 constitutional amendments and the economic crisis.

Pre-DSI Era: The Need for Change

Before the DSI, various agencies handled economic crimes in Thailand:

  • Bank of Thailand (BOT): Supervised commercial banks and finance companies.
  • Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET): Monitored securities trading.
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Supervised and developed the capital market.
  • Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), Revenue Department, Excise Department, and Customs Department: Handled administrative and preliminary investigations in tax and duty evasion cases.
  • Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO): Combatted money laundering.

Despite their efforts, the following issues persisted:

  1. Police Power: The police held excessive power, hindering effective investigations.
  2. Lack of Coordination: Agencies did not coordinate or cooperate effectively with each other.
  3. Lengthy Criminal Proceedings: The criminal process was lengthy and inefficient.

The Solution: The Thai Department of Special Investigation (DSI)

To address these issues, the DSI was created with the following powers:

  1. Autonomous Investigative Authority: The power of investigation was vested in the new agency, ensuring thorough and unbiased investigations.
  2. Investigative Capabilities: The DSI has expertise in various fields, interdisciplinary approaches, and advanced investigative methods.
  3. Requesting Warrants: The DSI can request a court to issue warrants to access suspects’ accounts, computer systems, communication instruments, and other equipment.
  4. Operational Flexibility: The DSI can conduct sting operations and set up mobile units when required.
  5. Jurisdiction: The DSI has jurisdiction over crimes that have seriously negative impacts on public peace, order, morale, national security, international relations, and the economic or financial system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DSI has been a vital force in combating economic crimes and special crimes in Thailand. Its establishment was a response to the shortcomings of the existing criminal investigation process and the need for more effective, unbiased investigations. The DSI’s team of experts, interdisciplinary approach, and innovative investigative methods have significantly advanced the fight against economic and special crimes.