Thailand's Senate Intensifies Efforts Against Online Scams with New Committee Proposal
Senator Nophadol In-na highlights staggering daily losses as the government escalates its crackdown on fraudulent operations.
The Senate of Thailand is increasing its involvement in combating online crimes, particularly focusing on call centre scams, in response to rising fraud rates across the nation.
Senator Nophadol In-na announced plans to propose the formation of a committee dedicated to addressing the escalating online crime situation during a session scheduled for next Tuesday.
Senator Nophadol remarked on the severity of the issue, stating that despite existing government measures and the enforcement of a new Cyber Crime Emergency Decree, scams continue to flourish, costing Thailand approximately 100 million baht daily, equivalent to over 30 billion baht annually.
He emphasized that the problem requires not only enhanced law enforcement but also a concerted political effort to achieve significant results.
He pointed to the involvement of Thai nationals operating near border areas and accused neighbouring countries of utilizing Thai telecom signals to perpetrate fraud against Thai citizens.
He underscored the responsibility of key government ministries, held by the main coalition party, to take decisive action, distinguishing it from previous multi-party government scenarios where coordination was less effective.
In a report from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, it was disclosed that losses attributed to online crime between January 1 and June 18 reached 12.77 billion baht, yet only a meager 2% of the stolen funds, amounting to approximately 295 million baht, have been frozen.
The proposed committee will be one of four subject-specific panels up for debate on July 15, following discussions held on July 9 led by Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja.
The additional topics scheduled for discussion include economic sustainability, border security, and disaster response, with each committee allotted 90 days to conduct its studies.
In related developments, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub confirmed that authorities have intensified their efforts against scam operations based along the borders, specifically focusing on regions near Myanmar.
Measures being implemented include cutting off electricity, internet access, and fuel supplies to suspected scam hubs, resulting in a notable reduction in illicit activities.
An equivalent effort is underway against call centre scams along the Thai-Cambodian border, where an arrest warrant has been issued for Kok An, alleged leader of a major Cambodian scam network.
Recent police raids conducted across 19 locations in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chon Buri linked to Kok An yielded significant findings, including luxury vehicles and over 27 million baht in cash.