July 16 – Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), revealed that six Thai nationals had been repatriated from Cambodia. All are suspected of being involved with a call center scam gang.
The six suspects — Phuwanai, Suwimon, Priya, Wallapa, Jakkrit, and Pornchai — were returned to Thailand via Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Police have taken them into custody for questioning and further investigation into the wider network.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai warned the public not to become tools for transnational criminal gangs or so-called “Thais who betray the nation.” He emphasized the severity of the penalties, citing a recent case where six suspects were sentenced for crimes including criminal association, fraud, violations under the Anti-Transnational Organized Crime Act, and the Computer Crime Act.
In that case, four “mule account” holders were sentenced to up to 41 years in prison, while two recruiters received 119 years each. However, under the Criminal Code, the maximum effective prison term is capped at 50 years.
Additionally, the court ordered the seizure of assets — including four vehicles and other items — to be returned to 39 victims, totaling nearly 6 million baht.
