Chao pho

Jao por (Thai: เจ้าพ่อ, “godfather”) is a term used in Thailand to describe the boss of organized crime groups.

Meaning of the term

Chao pho or jao poh literally means “godfather.” Chao pho, mostly based in the provinces, have business interests in both legitimate and criminal activities. Moreover, they have groups of associates and followers, move closely with powerful bureaucrats, policemen and military figures, sit in positions in local administration, and play a key role in parliamentary elections.

Activities

According to Thai authorities, there are chao pho groups in 39 of Thailand's 77 provinces. From these provinces they work like a local mafia as they are active in both illegal as well as some legitimate businesses. They are involved in a wide range of criminal activities such as prostitution, drug trafficking, illegal gambling and others. They are known for cooperating with the Red Wa (who are associated with the United Wa State Army) for the trafficking and sale of narcotics.

Cultural depictions

"Fear is a crucial element in Thai political culture, also serves as a factor in shaping a hierarchical relationship among members in society. Influential people (phu mee ittiphon), godfathers (chao pho), and gangsters (nakleng) have their characters depicted within the deep dichotomy of the benevolent and fearful." said Chachavalpongpun, P. in the article Kingdom of Fear: Royal Governance under Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn first published online July 3, 2022 in Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 41(3) pages 359-377. https://doi.org/10.1177/18681034221111176

"Fear and benevolence are the opposite sides of the same coin. Although these same actors may have an intimidating approach, they sometimes express their benevolent side (Samudavanija, 2002: 79). For example, the phu mee ittiphon frequently donates money for religious events and provides scholarships for poor students. These charitable works go in tandem with their shady businesses, presenting a contradictory character that both intimidate others and attracts them at the same time (Nishizaki, 2011: 57)." said Chachavalpongpun, P. https://doi.org/10.1177/18681034221111176

See also

"Scholars working in different country literatures tend to refer to such actors by different names: local bosses in the Philippines, chao pho or local godfathers in Thailand, local oligarchs in Indonesia, and simply cronies or (ethnic Chinese) towkays in Malaysia." said Hutchcroft, P. D., Aspinall, E., Weiss, M. L., & Hicken, A. in the article The Politics of Government–Business Relations in Urban Southeast Asia: Introduction and Overview first published online July 23, 2024 in Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 43(2) pages 155-176. https://doi.org/10.1177/18681034241264846