Thailand and Cambodia Collaborate to Combat Scam Networks
Joint efforts aim to dismantle call-centre fraud operations affecting Thai citizens.
The governments of Thailand and Cambodia are actively collaborating to dismantle call centre scam networks that have implicated numerous Thai citizens, as stated by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a recent meeting.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy focusing on security threats in border areas, including drug trafficking and human trafficking, and marks the prime minister's first formal visit to the Army Headquarters in Bangkok.
During discussions with the steering committee for border security, Ms Paetongtarn highlighted ongoing cooperation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasizing Cambodia's commitment to this collaborative effort.
She noted, "Cambodia has shown 100% cooperation.
Whatever cooperation is needed at the working group level, communication is always open, and assistance is always available." The national authorities are also coordinating with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to address persistent challenges related to these scams.
Recent actions have included the deportation of 93 Thai nationals from Cambodia, following their arrest during raids on call scam operations in Poipet.
The individuals were taken to the Criminal Court to seek further detention.
Authorities are processing these returned citizens for potential legal action, with general assurances from Prime Minister Paetongtarn that no obstacles exist in ongoing collaborative efforts.
Critics, however, have raised concerns regarding the government’s response speed, noting that approximately 100 individuals have been rescued from these operations while thousands remain vulnerable to exploitation.
In response, Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot reported that he has been tasked with facilitating cooperation between Thai and Cambodian police.
"Actions will start soon.
The Cambodian authorities are planning a crackdown, and we will have to wait until the right time," he stated.
Nikorndej Balankura, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Information, confirmed that the ministry is aiding foreign nationals who were lured into working for these fraudulent schemes, particularly those from Myanmar.
As of the latest reports, 7,372 foreign nationals have been assisted, with 4,895 returning home via Thailand, the majority of whom are from China, followed by Indonesia and India.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy focusing on security threats in border areas, including drug trafficking and human trafficking, and marks the prime minister's first formal visit to the Army Headquarters in Bangkok.
During discussions with the steering committee for border security, Ms Paetongtarn highlighted ongoing cooperation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasizing Cambodia's commitment to this collaborative effort.
She noted, "Cambodia has shown 100% cooperation.
Whatever cooperation is needed at the working group level, communication is always open, and assistance is always available." The national authorities are also coordinating with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to address persistent challenges related to these scams.
Recent actions have included the deportation of 93 Thai nationals from Cambodia, following their arrest during raids on call scam operations in Poipet.
The individuals were taken to the Criminal Court to seek further detention.
Authorities are processing these returned citizens for potential legal action, with general assurances from Prime Minister Paetongtarn that no obstacles exist in ongoing collaborative efforts.
Critics, however, have raised concerns regarding the government’s response speed, noting that approximately 100 individuals have been rescued from these operations while thousands remain vulnerable to exploitation.
In response, Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot reported that he has been tasked with facilitating cooperation between Thai and Cambodian police.
"Actions will start soon.
The Cambodian authorities are planning a crackdown, and we will have to wait until the right time," he stated.
Nikorndej Balankura, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Information, confirmed that the ministry is aiding foreign nationals who were lured into working for these fraudulent schemes, particularly those from Myanmar.
As of the latest reports, 7,372 foreign nationals have been assisted, with 4,895 returning home via Thailand, the majority of whom are from China, followed by Indonesia and India.
