BANGKOK (Xinhua): Thailand has made progress in its fight against transnational scam syndicates operating along its borders, with declining fraudulent cases and financial losses reported within the country, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced.
In her social media post, Paetongtarn cited the closure of over 1.92 million bank accounts linked to call-center scams and financial damage that has already been reduced by half to approximately 50 million baht per day (US$1.46 million) as examples of Thai authorities' ongoing efforts to tackle cybercrime.
"While these numbers prove we are on the right path, we will continue until call-center scam operations are eliminated from Thailand," she said.
According to the Thai police, scam-related crimes have decreased by 30 percent in the Southeast Asian nation since the suspension of electricity, fuel supplies, and internet connections along its border areas where scam compounds are concentrated.
During an inspection visit to Sa Kaeo province at the border with Cambodia on Friday, Paetongtarn directed various agencies to strengthen their enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, including controlling the internet and mobile network signals to prevent fraudulent use.
Security forces have been instructed to tighten border control, preventing unauthorized crossings and the smuggling of individuals and illicit equipment, Paetongtarn said in a statement after chairing a high-level meeting.
She noted that law enforcement agencies must rigorously screen individuals affected by the crackdown, ensuring clear distinctions between perpetrators and victims, with thorough documentation of all arrests.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies will collaborate with neighboring countries on the repatriation of both Thai and foreign nationals, ensuring a transparent process that prevents repeat offenses, the prime minister said. - Xinhua
