BANGKOK — The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating scammer operations and human trafficking following the release of a damning 240-page Amnesty International report on Thursday detailing widespread abuse in Cambodian scam centers.
The human rights organization claimed the Cambodian government is aware of the “hellish” conditions inside thriving scam centers but has chosen to turn a blind eye to widespread torture, human trafficking and modern slavery. In some instances, there has even been “coordination and possibly collusion between Chinese compound bosses and the Cambodian police.”
“Survivors of these scamming compounds describe being trapped in a living nightmare – enlisted in criminal enterprises that are operating with the apparent consent of the Cambodian government,” said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary general.
Thailand Vows Enhanced Measures
The Amnesty report was published just three days after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced upgraded strict measures to disrupt transnational criminal networks, including intensified border control measures and blocking illegal money flows.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated on Monday that Thailand will consider blocking exports that could facilitate scam operations in Cambodia and will coordinate with other countries and international agencies to crack down on cybercrime based in Southeast Asia.
Foreign Ministry Response
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on June 26 that transnational crime is a regional problem requiring close cooperation and coordination from all countries. Throughout this period, the Thai government has placed utmost importance on combating transnational crime, particularly online fraud and human trafficking.
“Thailand remains committed to working with neighboring countries and the international community to eliminate these crimes completely, and is pleased to continue cooperation on this matter with all sectors, including building cooperation networks in various multilateral frameworks to fight transnational crime and protect human trafficking victims according to international standards,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Little Cooperation from Cambodia
Police General Thatcahcai Pitaneelabutr, Thailand’s National Police Chief and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce, said the situation following border closures and telecommunications system cuts in Cambodian border areas, which serve as the primary base for scammer gangs, has resulted in a declining trend in cyber fraud.
He noted that previously, Thai authorities received little cooperation from Cambodia in cracking down on scammers operating within their territory. With current border tensions, there has been even less contact with Cambodian authorities for information coordination in suppression efforts, requiring a wait-and-see approach.
Legal Action Against Scam Centers
However, Thai authorities are preparing legal action against owners of 25-story and 18-story buildings in Poipet, Cambodia, which serve as scammer operation bases. The investigation is currently being expanded.
Regarding the “Huione Group” blacklisted by the United States for involvement in a global money laundering network worth over $4 billion, Police General Thatchai said police have some information about individuals connected to the company, but lack clear evidence of the company’s involvement.
Despite having UNODC data on scammer bases and financial routes, it remains insufficient for legal proceedings. Since the company is not based in Thailand, additional evidence must be sought.
US Cooperation Pledged
Police General Thatchai said that after US Ambassador Robert Godec confirmed to the Thai Prime Minister readiness to cooperate in combating scammers, police are preparing to coordinate requests for information about the network’s financial routes and various involved parties for use in legal proceedings, including monitoring individuals traveling in and out of border areas for outstanding warrants or surveillance targets.
____________
