Thailand intensifies nationwide crackdown on cross-border syndicates
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered the urgent implementation of a national policy to crack down on all forms of call centre scams, online fraud, and illegal gambling, which are now considered threats to national security.
Thailand’s Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub announced on June 21 that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered the urgent implementation of a national policy to crack down on all forms of call centre scams, online fraud, and illegal gambling, which are now considered threats to national security.
Jirayu confirmed that the recent press briefing by Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong on June 19 was a direct result of measures implemented earlier this month. These included adjustments to the opening and closure of border checkpoints between Thailand and Cambodia on June 7.
Since then, statistics show a significant decline in scam-related activity, providing greater protection for Thai citizens from criminal networks undermining national stability.
Jirayu stated that, while Thailand’s western border with Myanmar has seen a substantial drop in illegal activity due to decisive operations—including cutting off electricity, water, and internet access to scam compounds—there are worrying signs that syndicates along the eastern border are adapting.
He warned that Thai nationals who knowingly work for these criminal groups are effectively harming their own people./.