Bangkok: Former National Anti-Corruption Commission member has highlighted a strategy, rooted in the “Big Tai” era, to restore trust in the Thai police by targeting scammers and enhancing national financial security. This involves a proposed measure to dismantle scam networks within 72 hours.
According to Thai News Agency, Asst. Prof. Dr. Noppadol Kannika, a former member of the National Police Policy Committee, emphasized the challenges faced in confiscating scam-related funds in Thailand. In 2022, the success rate of seizing scammers’ accounts was less than 5 percent. However, under the leadership of Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, significant progress has been made. The collaboration with various agencies, including the Bank of Thailand and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, has resulted in freezing approximately 50 percent of scammer accounts, with some cases reaching nearly 100 percent.
Despite these efforts, the financial burden on victims persists, with reimbursements taking extended periods due to the mixing of funds from multiple offenses. Therefore, an urgent action plan is being drafted to eradicate scammers and restore public trust. The plan includes systematic refunds, comprehensive targeting of scam networks, and strategic goals to enhance public confidence in government actions against scammers.
From March 2022 to September 2025, online scam cases in Thailand resulted in over 100 billion baht in damages. This systemic issue undermines government credibility and causes economic instability. Although Police General Kittirat Phanphet has improved the effectiveness of fund seizures, the slow return process remains a challenge due to intertwined criminal activities.
The crackdown strategy involves ensuring every baht seized from criminals is returned to the public swiftly. The proposal includes a systematic refund process, targeting masterminds and supporters, and implementing new law enforcement strategies to dismantle scam networks within 72 hours. This includes classifying funds, issuing emergency seizure orders, and establishing a multilingual Victim Claim Portal for online refund requests.
Key performance indicators include freezing 70% of losses within 72 hours, refunding 50% within 30 days, and dismantling major scam networks regularly. The aim is to increase public confidence, restore financial stability, and position Thailand as a regional digital financial leader.
Proposed legal amendments focus on increasing penalties for severe offenses and enabling prosecution of all involved in scam operations. The Anti-Money Laundering Act would be revised to allow a 72-hour emergency freeze and enhance data security through international standards. Strengthening penalties for targeting vulnerable groups and addressing transnational crimes are also part of the revised legal framework.
If successfully implemented, these measures will position Thailand as a secure digital hub, enhancing both national and international confidence in its financial systems.