Bangkok: The Royal Thai Police have disclosed the outcomes of seven significant operations aimed at tackling technology crimes, in accordance with the government’s policy. These operations were initiated after uncovering a network of call center gangs with ties to four ASEAN countries. Efforts are also underway to expand operations to obstruct money laundering pathways.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Center (TCSD), reported the results of the operations conducted over the past three months. This initiative follows the government’s establishment of the Technology Crime Suppression Committee to intensify investigations and extend the scope of transnational scam networks. These networks connect Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, and are currently undergoing restructuring after a Myanmar military raid on a key base, “KK Park,” where over 2,000 suspects were apprehended, with some fleeing into Thailand.
Simultaneously, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society has directed the NBTC and all mobile service providers to inspect and deactivate unverified SIM cards within a week to prevent communication channels for scammers. Thailand has also participated in a meeting with the Thai Cambodian General Border Commission, reaching an agreement on border security cooperation, especially in tackling regional scams.
The operations executed by the Royal Thai Police’s Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and the IAC War Room from August 4 to October 26 have led to the handling of 916 cases, with damages amounting to over 559.2 million baht and the seizure of more than 182.5 million baht. Seven significant operations were highlighted, including the arrest of a gang in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai Province, for illicitly sending bank books and SIM cards out of Laos, and the dismantling of a cross-border fraud network, which rescued 13 victims before they were forced to work in a Cambodian call center gang.
Other notable operations involved helping a Thai woman return home after being deceived into working for a scam gang, seizing assets worth over 1.3 million baht from a Hong Kong gang in a city raid, and uncovering a Chinese scam base in the Lat Phrao area. Additionally, efforts included shutting down illegal telephone connection equipment in Sa Kaeo and arresting “money mules” in Chiang Rai, resulting in the seizure of over 2,000 ATM cards and half a million baht in cash.