BANGKOK — Thai authorities have launched investigations into two major criminal cases this week, both involving Cambodian nationals, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
Illegal Gambling Den Raided in Bangkok
The Department of Provincial Administration conducted “Operation Close Saphan Mai Den” on July 4, raiding an illegal gambling operation housed in a commercial building on Soi Phahon Yothin 52 in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district.
The operation was ordered by newly appointed Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai following public complaints about families being torn apart by gambling addiction and residents feeling unsafe in the area.
The 3:30 p.m. raid resulted in the arrest of 72 gamblers and the seizure of over 800,000 baht ($24,730) in cash evidence. Investigators discovered the building featured multiple escape routes designed to evade authorities and was strategically located just 300 meters from a BTS station.
The gambling den was operated by both Thai and Cambodian bookmakers working in rotating shifts throughout the day, with large sums of money circulating within the operation. The discovery has led to the transfer of five high-ranking police officers from Bang Khen Police Station for investigation into potential negligence in allowing the illegal gambling operation to continue.
On July 5, Bang Khen Police transported the 72 arrested gamblers, mostly elderly individuals, to Don Mueang District Court. They face charges of organizing illegal hi-lo gambling and participating in unauthorized gambling activities. Authorities continue gathering evidence to prosecute the gambling den operators.
Major Labor Extortion Scheme Uncovered
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has uncovered a massive labor extortion scheme targeting migrant workers from neighboring countries, with damages potentially reaching 6 billion baht ($185 million). The investigation revealed money trails involving Cambodian officials.
DSI Director Police Colonel Yutthana Praedam disclosed that DSI officers conducted searches at four locations in Bangkok on July 3 to gather evidence of the labor extortion and money laundering network operating through Cambodian officials. One target was AA Advance Service Co. Ltd., located in K.C. Village, Ram Inthra 7 Road, Thai Raman Road, Khlong Sam Wa District.
Background of the Extortion Scheme
The extortion operation began following a Ministry of Labor announcement on November 26, 2024, which changed the foreign worker permit renewal process to an online system. This was intended to provide relief for foreign workers whose permits were set to expire on February 13, 2025.
The new system required workers seeking permit renewals to obtain certification from their home country’s embassy and employment agencies before proceeding. This created opportunities for criminal networks to exploit workers’ fears of arrest, forcing them to comply with extortion demands.
The scheme particularly targeted foreign workers in Thailand, including:
- Myanmar: 2,012,856 workers
- Cambodia: 287,557 workers
- Laos: 94,132 workers
- Vietnam: 3,673 workers
Cambodian Worker Extortion Details
Evidence revealed that Cambodian workers were forced to pay an additional 2,500 baht ($77.2), with extortionists claiming the online permit renewal system would not function unless workers paid the fee. Workers who refused were denied documents necessary for health checks, insurance, or visa extensions.
“This represents a significant hardship for foreign workers who earn only 300-400 baht ($9-12) per day in Thailand but are forced to pay these extortion fees,” Colonel Yutthana stated.
Financial Impact and Money Laundering
Investigators traced money flows showing that foreign workers, beyond paying legitimate permit fees, social security, and health check costs, were forced to pay an additional 2,500 baht or more through shell accounts and unofficial banking channels. These funds were then transferred to Cambodian officials, with preliminary findings showing approximately 100 million baht ($3 million) transferred from Thailand to Cambodian officials, though the actual amount may be higher.
Bank account records from various institutions are still being compiled. Some funds transferred to Cambodian officials were traced back to Thai individuals, suggesting money laundering activities. Investigators are examining potential connections to Ministry of Labor officials and employment agencies responsible for system access and worker permit processing.
Scale of the Operation
Based on the approximately 280,000 Cambodian workers in Thailand, with roughly 180,000 having already renewed their permits, the financial impact for Cambodian workers alone is estimated at 300-400 million baht ($9-12 million). If all Cambodian workers complete the renewal process, the total could reach 700 million baht ($27.6 million).
Including workers from all affected nationalities—Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam—the total extortion scheme could involve up to 6 billion baht.
Ongoing Investigation
The July 3 searches targeted companies facilitating foreign worker employment and permit renewals specifically for Cambodian nationals. The raids yielded evidence beneficial to the ongoing investigation, with authorities planning to expand the scope of their inquiry.
Both cases highlight the complex criminal networks operating across Thai-Cambodian borders, occurring during a period of strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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