Job Scam Lures 14 Thais to Poipet for Mule Accounts Setup

Fourteen Thai nationals were arrested after being ensnared in an online job scam that led them to Cambodia, where they were coerced into illegal activities before being sent back to Thailand. The Burapha Task Force, led by Col. Chainarong Kasee, made the arrests during a patrol to prevent illegal crossings near Aranyaprathet. This group, consisting of nine men and five women, was apprehended without any guides.

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The victims reported responding to a job advertisement on Facebook that promised unusually high salaries. They traveled separately to Aranyaprathet between February 10 and 14, 2026, staying overnight at a local hotel. Once in Cambodia, they were detained, and their personal items, including ID cards and mobile phones, were confiscated to open mule bank accounts.

Upon completing the account setups, they were returned to Thailand via a natural border route without fees. The authorities subsequently handed them over to the Khlong Nam Sai Police Station for further investigation. Officials have issued a warning to the public about job offers that seem too good to be true, emphasizing the risk of transnational scams that can lead to personal data misuse.

Experts note that such scams are becoming increasingly prevalent, exploiting vulnerable individuals searching for employment. Authorities continue to investigate and aim to dismantle these operations to prevent further exploitation. Public awareness campaigns are being planned to educate people on recognizing and avoiding scam tactics.

Looking forward, officials intend to strengthen security along the border and enhance detection of illegal crossings. They also plan to cooperate with international agencies to target scam networks operating across borders. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of regulating job advertisements on social media platforms, reported Khaosod.

Key Takeaways

• Fourteen Thais were arrested after falling victim to a job scam in Cambodia.

• They were forced to open mule bank accounts and returned to Thailand.

• Authorities warn against high-paying job ads linked to transnational scams.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 19 Feb 2026