BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Police announced today the establishment of an international coordination center to combat scammers and cross-border crime, following a high-level meeting with diplomatic representatives from 17 countries on January 31, 2025.
The initiative, led by Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Center, will operate 24/7 to facilitate rapid information exchange between participating nations. Representatives from countries including the United States, China, Russia, and several Southeast Asian nations expressed strong support for the collaboration.
“This center represents a significant step forward in our fight against transnational crime,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai. The Royal Thai Police has implemented seven new measures to strengthen border security and prevent illegal immigration, including enhanced airport screening and border checkpoints.
Pol. Gen. Thaichai stated that under this cooperation, when nationals of any country travel to target areas like Mae Sot district, whether by land or air, without clear tourism plans, checkpoint officials must contact their respective embassies to enable communication between nationals, preventing them from becoming scammer victims.
“The discussion outcome is that embassies are very willing to follow this plan. Foreigners entering Mae Sot district will be questioned similarly to foreign tourists arriving at airports, requiring clear information about their travel and tourism plans,” said Pol. Gen. Thaichai.
He revealed that data shows 100% of individuals crossing to neighboring countries through Mae Sot do so voluntarily. Some conduct business or genuine tourism, but others lack clear travel destinations. The meeting also discussed combating call center gangs, noting this issue exists not only in Thailand’s neighboring countries but worldwide.
The announcement follows recent successful operations, including the rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing from human traffickers. National Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Kitt-rat Panpetch has ordered stricter enforcement of immigration laws and increased surveillance in tourist areas.
The coordination center begins operations on February 1, 2025, with daily situation assessment meetings scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), along with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Authority, will provide additional support for the initiative.
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