A Ranong businessman alleged to be a top figure in a southern trafficking ring surrendered to police Monday as authorities continue to track down 33 remaining suspects in the Rohingya smuggling scandal.
Suwan Sangthong, 66, reported to deputy national police chief Ake Angsananont in Songkhla province where he heads the Rohingya investigation.
Mr Suwan is among the 50 individuals wanted in connection with people-smuggling activities in the South. He is the owner of fishing piers in Ranong and believed to head a human-trafficking operation in his hometown.
He faces charges of conspiracy to commit human trafficking, facilitating illegal entry of foreign migrants, illegal detention and ransom. Mr Suwan denied all the charges.
Pol Gen Ake said 17 of 50 people wanted by police have been arrested and his team is trying to locate the 17 still at large.
The latest warrant was issued for Pajjuban Angchotiphan, a former president of Satun's provincial administration organization and operator of a tourist resort and boats on Koh Lipe.
Police alleged Mr Pajjuban is behind a network in Satun responsible for smuggling Rohingya Muslim and Bangladeshi migrants into Thailand and across the border to Malaysia. Twenty-nine arrest warrants have been issued for his alleged gang members, including Mr Pajjuban's relative, Somyos Angchotiphan, 45, who turned himself in to Pol Gen Ake last week and is now being detained.
Police are investigating whether the influential Saturn figure has fled to Malaysia.
Pol Gen Ek said 300 police officers and soldiers on Monday searched 15 properties belonging to Mr Pajjuban and his alleged accomplices to gather more evidence.