Bangkok Battles Cambodia’s Call Center Scams: 119 Victims Repatriated
Sa Kaeo, Thailand—Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the border province of Sa Kaeo on Tuesday, underscoring her government’s commitment to dismantling call center scam operations originating in neighboring Cambodia. This visit served as a critical assessment of ongoing efforts and a platform for strategizing further collaborative actions. The Prime Minister’s presence signals a significant escalation in the fight against these pervasive criminal enterprises.
The visit included a high-level meeting attended by key figures from the government and telecommunications sectors. Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong joined the Prime Minister in Sa Kaeo. Also in attendance were Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, chief of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), representatives from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and various telecommunication service providers. This broad stakeholder representation highlights the multifaceted approach to tackling this complex issue.
The meeting evaluated the effectiveness of current measures and explored avenues for strengthening cooperation between government agencies and the private sector. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a cohesive and comprehensive strategy to combat these transnational criminal networks. This collaborative effort reflects the understanding that disrupting these sophisticated operations requires a concerted effort from all involved parties.
This decisive action follows the Prime Minister’s recent pronouncements in parliament and public forums, where she vowed to relentlessly pursue these criminal gangs. She reiterated this commitment on Tuesday, promising a sustained crackdown until the threat is neutralized. This strong stance underscores the government’s determination to protect its citizens from these fraudulent schemes.
The Prime Minister also toured a Sa Kaeo screening center for repatriated victims of these call center scams. She was briefed on the center’s operations and gained firsthand insight into the plight of those victimized by these criminal organizations. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the devastating human cost of these operations.
Local authorities expect 119 individuals lured into working for scam operations in Cambodia to return to Thailand. These individuals, part of a larger group of 215 rescued from scam compounds in the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet last weekend, will undergo a two-week screening process. The repatriation, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was delayed by Cambodian authorities. This complex process highlights the logistical and diplomatic challenges involved in addressing this cross-border criminal activity.
Representatives from leading telecommunication companies, AIS and True Corporation, confirmed their active participation in the crackdown. They outlined measures being implemented in border provinces, aligning with NBTC directives to curtail the communication infrastructure exploited by these criminal networks. This proactive private sector involvement is crucial in cutting off the lifelines of these scams.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Sa Kaeo signifies a concrete step towards intensified action against call center scams. This demonstrable commitment from the highest levels of government, combined with collaborative efforts across sectors, offers hope in the fight against these increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises.
