Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announced that the nation will lead an effort in cracking down on the world’s largest international scammer base (according to UN’s data) by intercepting gamblers, restricting transport routes, cutting submarine cable systems, curbing money laundering, and suspending oil export.
According to the UN, Cambodia is the largest international criminal hub in the world, causing more than THB 600 billion in damage per year. This is a direct threat to the security of not only Thailand but also the entire region. Therefore, Thailand volunteers itself to be the main host in the crackdown
PM Paetongtarn revealed 5 urgent measures, with a three-month key performance indicator (KPI). The details of these measures are as follow:
The Defense Measurement.
- Increasing security at seven border checkpoints with limited opening time. No crossing without necessity, especially cars and people.
- Prohibiting international tourists from entering the gambling areas.
- Increasing security on flight routes to Siem Reap province.
- Tightening borders.
The Crime Technology Measurement.
- Setting AOC to crack down on mule accounts and scam callers.
- Preparing to cut the submarine cable system connecting to Cambodia.
- Collaborating with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to confiscate wealth generated from money laundering.
The Export Control Measurement.
- Suspending power-oil export if discovering that they were used to support criminal acts.
- Increasing security to scan for products being used for criminal activity.
The International Collaboration Measurement.
- Accelerating the collaboration with foreign nations and international organizations.
- Proposing Thailand to be a regional joint force hub.
The Economic and Trade Measurement.
- Assisting farmers and SME entrepreneurs that are being affected.
- Arranging collaborating markets between the government and private sectors.
In the meeting, PM Paetongtarn set a three-month KPI, expecting tangible results, including the decrease in damage statistics, asset seizure, and the prosecution against international criminal organizations.
