Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

The Thai government has launched an urgent national campaign to stop call center scams, online fraud, and illegal gambling. These crimes are now being treated as serious threats to Thailand’s national security.

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said on Saturday, June 21, that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered strict action across the country. The Prime Minister's decision follows recent steps taken to secure the borders and protect Thai citizens from dangerous criminal networks.

One major step was the change in border rules between Thailand and Cambodia on June 7. Since then, there has been a clear drop in scam-related activities. This has made people living near the borders feel safer.

The government also mentioned a United Nations report which shows that Cambodia has now become a major global center for cybercrime, replacing Myanmar. The UN found that many call center scam operations have moved to Cambodia. These scams often target people in Thailand and other countries.

According to Jirayu, the Thai military and police have been successful along the western border with Myanmar. They shut down scam compounds by cutting off electricity, water, and internet access, which caused a big drop in illegal activity in that area.

However, criminal groups have started changing their tactics. They are now moving their operations to the eastern border, near Cambodia. Some Thai citizens are helping these groups by joining scam operations across the border. Jirayu warned that people who work for these scam gangs are harming their own country.

“The government will no longer allow anyone to trick or harm Thai people,” Jirayu said. “This is now a top national priority.”

On Monday, June 23, the Prime Minister will lead a special meeting focused on cross-border crime. Topics will include drug trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, human trafficking, and other serious crimes happening along all four borders of Thailand — north, south, east, and west.

Jirayu also said that criminal groups are finding new ways to continue their illegal activities. Some people are now flying to cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh in Cambodia using passports, instead of crossing the land borders. Once they land, gang members pick them up and take them to scam camps near the Thai border to continue their work.

After the meeting on Monday, the government is expected to announce stronger rules and new plans to fight against cybercrime and protect the people of Thailand.