Thai Police Chief Meets with Japanese Counterpart to Combat Call Centre Gangs

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabut, the National Police Chief of Thailand, welcomed Mr. Arishika Ekuji, Commissioner-General of the Organised Crime Bureau of Japan’s National Police Agency, and his delegation at 13:30 on 28 April. The meeting focused on exchanging vital information and enhancing cooperation to tackle international call centre crime gangs.

The Japanese delegation included Mr. Ryo Yasueda, Director of International Investigations at the Organized Crime Bureau and Head of Interpol Tokyo, Mr. Terusato Inoue, Director of the Organized Crime Investigation Division, Mr. Ariga Kitamoto, Director of the International Investigation Operations Division, Mr. Naoto Watanabe, First Secretary and Senior Police Attache, Mr. Yoshinori Narasaki, Second Secretary and Police Attache, Ms. Praewpruek Chitsakunchaidee, Thai-Japanese Liaison Officer and Interpreter, and Mr. Phisit Maiprasert, Assistant Consul at the Japanese Embassy in Thailand.

Also present were senior Thai officials, including Police Lieutenant General Ittipon Ittisaranrachai, Assistant National Police Chief, Police Major General Phongsayam Meekanthong, Deputy Commander of the Tourist Police, Police Major General Wiwat Khamchamnan, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division, Police Major General Phanop Worathanatchakun, Commander of Immigration Police Investigations, and Police Major General Surapan Thaiyasaret, Director of the Foreign Affairs Division.

The discussions took place at the National Police Headquarters in Bangkok, focusing on the exchange of information vital for the crackdown on transnational organised crime, particularly call centre gangs, some of which involve Japanese nationals.

The Japanese Commissioner-General expressed his gratitude for the Thai police’s efforts in investigating and combating these criminal organisations and supporting victims. He highlighted that future operations would see even closer cooperation between Thai and Japanese authorities to ensure more effective dismantling of these criminal groups.

Police General Thatchai stressed that the most crucial aspect of the operation was the close exchange of information. He thanked the Japanese authorities for their valuable contributions and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to continuing this fruitful collaboration.

The meeting also addressed the locations of call centre gangs in Myanmar and Cambodia, with the Thai police promising further investigations and expanded operations. In cases where Japanese nationals are involved, Thai authorities will promptly inform the Japanese National Police Agency to take necessary action in a timely manner.

  Adapted by Asean Now from ThaiRath 2025-04-29.