Thai National Police Join Global Forces to Dismantle Cross-Border Call Center Gangs — Launching Manhunt for Cambodian Tycoon ‘Kok An’
The Royal Thai Police (RTP), under Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Inspector General of the RTP and Director of the Cyber Crime Suppression Center (CCIB), as well as Head of the UNODC Task Force Against Call Center Crime and Human Trafficking, has reported the persistent presence of call center gangs in neighboring countries — including Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos — which use Thailand as a strategic transit point. These gangs deceive both Thais and foreigners into working for their operations or smuggling them across borders.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai explained that recent crackdowns in Shwe Kokko and KK Park in Myanmar — following the cutting of electricity, internet, and fuel supplies — have led to the exposure of 8,893 victims from 36 nationalities. Yet, remnants of these gangs remain hidden in southern Myawaddy.
In Cambodia, the number of call center operations has expanded significantly to 52 locations across 10 provinces, especially in Poipet and areas bordering Vietnam. Most are run by Chinese nationals under local influential protection. Some of these gangs have even moved into Thailand to target foreigners — including Australians, Vietnamese, Koreans, and Chinese — but Thai authorities have successfully apprehended several.
The CCIB, together with Task Force 88 and UNODC, has launched the strategic initiative “Unite the Global Community to Combat Call Centers and Human Trafficking,” driven by the concept “I2L AI”, which comprises five key pillars:
- Infrastructure Disruption: Cutting off electricity and internet to buildings used as gang hubs.
- Smuggling Network Interdiction: Blocking online recruitment pages, mule account groups, and cross-border smuggling networks.
- Legal Enforcement & Asset Seizure: Targeting building owners, ringleaders, organizers, and protectors.
- AI-Based Prevention: Using artificial intelligence to prevent Thailand from being used as a transit or scam zone.
- Global Cooperation: Establishing a Call Center and Human Trafficking Emergency War Room at the RTP HQ, with support from UNODC, INTERPOL, and the FBI to facilitate intelligence sharing and joint operations. Results are expected within three months.
Manhunt for Kok An
Regarding Kok An, a Cambodian tycoon believed to be the owner of multiple scam centers and casinos in Cambodia, Pol. Gen. Thatchai said the investigation is ongoing. Thai authorities are working to prosecute all involved, whether Thai or Cambodian, including asset seizure.
The Thai Cyber Police have already expanded their probe and expect more arrest warrants to be issued within the week. So far, recent raids have found only illegal immigrants, and Kok An was not in Thailand at the time of the warrant issuance. However, the authorities have contacted INTERPOL to identify his whereabouts. A Red Noticewill be issued and circulated to all 196 INTERPOL member states.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai confirmed that Kok An holds a Cambodian passport. Whether his niece used a forged Thai ID card remains under investigation. Thai authorities already possess solid evidence, including documents from the FBI, and plan to seek court approval for further arrest warrants.
Based on available evidence, Kok An is believed to own several buildings linked to call center gangs and scam operations. Authorities are investigating whether he was involved in fraud, money laundering, and forming a criminal organization, and are tracing his financial networks to support additional charges.
On the Thailand-Cambodia bilateral coordination, Pol. Gen. Thatchai said legal steps must be followed, starting with INTERPOL before formally requesting Cambodia’s cooperation on the Red Notice. While INTERPOL lacks enforcement power, he believes global public pressure will encourage compliance, especially since many nations are suffering from scam syndicates originating in Cambodia. He also expressed confidence that Cambodian authorities share the goal of eradicating these gangs.
Regarding Kok An’s close ties with Samdech Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, Pol. Gen. Thatchai said he could not comment on political relationships but confirmed that Kok An is a Cambodian businessman and senatorinvolved with multiple properties tied to scam operations.
When asked whether Thai politicians are involved, Pol. Gen. Thatchai stated that no links have been found so far — including to the figure “Hia T.” previously alleged by MP Rangsiman Rome to be involved with call center gangs in Cambodia.
He concluded by praising the Cyber Police for taking bold legal action against building owners, an effort that has taken 2–3 years to gather sufficient evidence — now strengthened by international sources, enabling court-issued arrest warrants.
