Aranyaprathet: “Rome-Teng” visited Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province, to address issues at the Thai-Cambodian border, focusing on illegal border crossings. The group suspected the area opposite as a base for a call center gang and planned to have closed-door discussions.

According to Thai News Agency, Phanuwat Transport and Service Co., Ltd., led by Mr. Chaiwat Prusanthia and the Youth Border Protection Group from Chonburi and Trat Provinces, provided supplies to the Marine Corps Ranger Company 512 in Ban Mamuang. This base, near the Ban Mamuang-Nein 400 trade checkpoint, is frequently crossed illegally by Cambodians for activities like foraging and poaching. The group later delivered equipment to the Ban Muen Dan base and offered support for national sovereignty protection.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Security Committee, led by Mr. Rangsiman Rome and Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, visited Aranyaprathet District to assess Thai-Cambodian border security. They inspected ‘Chong Ma Lod’, a notorious route for illegal crossings. Despite efforts to block this route with cement and steel grating, officials conceded that control remains challenging due to private ownership of the area.

Col. Methee Khamtem, of the 12th Ranger Regiment, Burapha Force, reported that all smuggling routes have been closed and monitored with CCTV. Additionally, mobile and internet signals were downgraded to combat call center gangs, following government policy.

Mr. Rangsiman’s team also surveyed Tambon Tha Kham, focusing on VIP 1 and VIP 2 border points, known as Chong Ta Thui. Recently, Aranyaprathet Task Force soldiers, using drones, intercepted and arrested individuals at VIP 2 for illegal entry. This highlights the need for collaborative solutions to address the call center gang issue.

Mr. Rangsiman emphasized that further discussions would address the financiers behind the gangs, with expectations of revealing connections to Cambodian power figures.