Thailand and Cambodia Crack Down on Border Scammers
Bangkok—Thailand and Cambodia are intensifying their collaboration to dismantle call center scam networks operating along their shared border. Following her inaugural visit to the Army Headquarters in Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra affirmed Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to this joint operation. This follows the recent deportation of ninety-three Thais from Cambodia after raids on call center scam operations in Poipet.
A high-level meeting on Friday convened the steering committee for the prevention and resolution of security threats in border areas. The committee evaluated ongoing strategies against drug trafficking, human trafficking, and call center scams. Attendees included key figures in Thailand’s security apparatus: Chief of Defence Forces Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, Royal Thai Police inspector-general Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, and representatives from the Navy, Air Force, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn reported discussing the matter with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, resulting in an agreement to bolster cooperative efforts. She emphasized Cambodia’s “100% cooperation,” highlighting the open communication and readily available assistance between the two nations. This facilitates effective information sharing and coordinated action at the working group level, crucial for tackling these complex networks.
While acknowledging progress in the crackdown, Ms. Paetongtarn stressed the goal of complete eradication. This requires increased private sector engagement, including telecommunications companies and related industries. Discussions with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) are underway to address communication challenges.
Addressing concerns about scams originating in Poipet, Cambodia, and mirroring similar concerns along the Thai-Myanmar border, Ms. Paetongtarn reiterated the government’s proactive stance and the positive response from both neighboring countries. Cambodia has significantly intensified its efforts, providing crucial information about these criminal enterprises. This intelligence sharing is proving invaluable.
Critics note the relatively low number of individuals rescued—around 100—compared to the estimated thousands of Thais involved. This raises questions about the current measures' effectiveness. However, Ms. Paetongtarn stated that repatriated Thais are undergoing legal processing, and the joint operation faces no significant obstacles.
Pol Gen Thatchai, tasked by the Prime Minister to collaborate with Cambodian authorities and other agencies, confirmed ongoing discussions and imminent action. He indicated that Cambodian authorities are preparing a major crackdown, requesting patience while the operation is strategically planned and executed.
This fight extends beyond Thailand and Cambodia. Nikorndej Balankura, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Information, detailed the ministry’s efforts to assist foreign nationals lured into working for these scams in Myanmar. As of Thursday, over 7,000 foreign nationals received assistance, with nearly 5,000 returning home via Thailand. Most are from China, followed by Indonesia and India, underscoring the transnational nature of this crime.
The escalating cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia represents a significant step toward dismantling the complex web of call center scams plaguing the region. While challenges remain, the shared commitment to information sharing, coordinated action, and proactive measures provides a foundation for a more effective and sustained fight against these criminal enterprises.
