Thailand and Cambodia Strengthen Cooperation to Dismantle Scam Gangs
The Thai and Cambodian governments have intensified their collaboration to dismantle call center scam networks, with Cambodia pledging full support in the crackdown, according to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
During a high-level meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister met with the steering committee for border security to review efforts in tackling drug trafficking, human trafficking, and call center scams. This meeting, held at the Army Headquarters in Bangkok, marked her first official visit to the facility.
Among the attendees were Chief of Defence Forces Gen Songwit Noonpakdee, Royal Thai Police inspector-general Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, and representatives from the Royal Thai Navy, Air Force, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
Full Cooperation from Cambodia
Following discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Ms. Paetongtarn confirmed that Cambodia had agreed to work closely with Thailand to combat cross-border scam operations.
“Cambodia has shown 100% cooperation. Whenever support is needed at the working group level, they are always available,” she stated.
Additionally, discussions were held with Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to improve measures against scam operations.
“We’ve made substantial progress, but we aim to completely eliminate these scams. Private sector cooperation will be necessary to achieve this,” she added.
Concerns Over Call Center Scams in Poi Pet
Many Thai citizens have reportedly fallen victim to scam networks operating in Poi Pet, Cambodia. Critics argue that while Thailand has imposed strict border measures in Tak Province (Thai-Myanmar border), efforts in Cambodia have been slower.
Addressing these concerns, Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized that proactive measures are in place, and Cambodia is actively cooperating. “They have been extremely cooperative, and we are now receiving critical intelligence to address the root of these operations,” she said.
However, some critics believe the crackdown has been slow, pointing out that only around 100 individuals have been rescued despite reports of thousands of Thai citizens being trapped in scam operations.
Upcoming Crackdowns and Legal Actions
Pol Gen Thatchai revealed that the Prime Minister had assigned him to work directly with Cambodian authorities over the past two weeks.
“We are in active discussions, and a major crackdown is in the works. Cambodian authorities will begin operations at the right moment,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Nikorndej Balankura, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Information, reported that over 7,372 foreign nationals have been rescued from scam networks in Myanmar, with 4,895 repatriated. The majority were from China (3,634), Indonesia (653), and India (549).
As Thailand and Cambodia ramp up their joint efforts, authorities remain committed to dismantling the criminal networks behind these scams while ensuring the safety of Thai citizens and other foreign victims.
