BANGKOK — In a coordinated effort to combat transnational crime, Thai authorities have made significant progress against both call center scammers and online gambling operations with links to Cambodia.
Senior Inspector General Strengthens Ties with Cambodia
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, recently concluded a diplomatic mission to Cambodia on March 13-14, 2025. The visit, directed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Police Commissioner General Kittharat Phanpetch, focused on strengthening cross-border cooperation against Thai call center fraud operations.
During high-level meetings with Cambodia’s National Police, Immigration Office, and Telecommunications Regulator (TRC), Thai officials expressed gratitude for Cambodia’s recent crackdown in Poipet that resulted in 119 arrests of Thai nationals involved in various criminal enterprises.
“These criminals cross our natural border to escape Thai law enforcement while exclusively targeting Thai victims,” said Police General Thatchai. “Until now, when caught in Cambodia, they faced only minor charges like illegal entry since no crimes were committed against Cambodians. Upon deportation, many falsely claimed to be trafficking victims to avoid serious prosecution.”
Online Gambling Ring Dismantled
In a related development, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau (TCIB), announced on March 15 the arrest of several Thai nationals who were part of an online gambling operation with connections to the same Poipet network.
The investigation began following Cambodian police raids on the K2 building in Poipet on February 23, where 15 Thai nationals were arrested. Cyber police examining evidence from their mobile phones discovered they had been organizing online gambling operations, specifically Hi-Lo and Pok Deng card games, working in shifts and receiving salaries from employers who provided accommodation.
Authorities subsequently obtained court approval to issue arrest warrants for five key suspects: Ms. Phimwara, 59, from Bangkok; Ms. Sirinipa, 21, from Bueng Kan Province; Ms. Jananya, 35, from Samut Prakan Province; Mr. Bandit, 22, from Bangkok; and Mr. Nattapong, 26. Together, they operated private gambling groups with approximately 30,000 members.
Thai officers arrested these suspects at a resort in Pathum Thani Province, where they were livestreaming gambling sessions. Evidence seized included mobile phones, gambling equipment, and various other items.
New Legal Approach Closes Loopholes
Both operations represent a significant shift in Thailand’s legal strategy against transnational crime. Of the 119 individuals arrested in the Poipet operation, 115 now face transnational organized crime charges in Thailand that could result in 15-year prison sentences. Authorities are pursuing charges including criminal conspiracy, fraud, and information falsification, with asset seizure proceedings underway.
Similarly, the gambling ring operators are being charged with “participating in a transnational criminal organization, being part of a secret society, and jointly organizing illegal gambling.”
“The Royal Thai Police is fully committed to protecting Thai citizens from these predatory operations,” Thatchai stated. “Our partnership with Cambodia ensures these criminals will face justice in Thailand, serving as a warning to others considering similar criminal enterprises.”
These cases represent the first time such operations have faced the full force of Thailand’s transnational crime laws, effectively closing loopholes that previously allowed perpetrators to escape serious consequences.
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