Two Cambodian Nationals Arrested with Large Cache of Communication Devices

Picture courtesy of Amatin

Authorities have arrested two Cambodian nationals suspected of involvement in a Facebook page manipulation operation, which could be linked to transnational cybercrime networks.

The arrests took place near the permanent border crossing at Ban Laem in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province. The operation was a joint effort by the Royal Thai Navy’s Marine Task Force 524, Ban Pluang Police Station and Pong Nam Ron Immigration Police.

The suspects, identified as Mr. Mon Seangheng, 30 and Mr. Tam Channee, 38, were apprehended while attempting to cross the border back into Cambodia. A search of their belongings uncovered a significant number of communication devices and cash, raising suspicions of cyber-related criminal activity.

Seized items included:

• 125,000 baht in cash

• 16 mobile phones

• 1 tablet

• 2 computer monitors

• 1 Wi-Fi router

• An additional 20 mobile phones linked to a signal booster

• 12 phone chargers

• 2 bank account books

• 1 ATM card

• 15 notebooks

• 2 sets of document plans

• Various documents related to social media operations

Authorities confirmed that both suspects held valid Cambodian passports and had legally entered Thailand via the Klong Luek border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo province. They intended to return to Cambodia through Ban Laem when intercepted.

Initial questioning revealed that the pair had been working as page creators and Facebook administrators. Their role involved artificially boosting follower and engagement metrics on Facebook pages. According to their statements, an unnamed Thai national had hired them, offering payment based on the number of “likes” and “shares” generated. They also admitted to paying two Thai citizens to open bank accounts used to receive the payments, reportedly for 4,000 baht per account.

Investigators noted that the methods and equipment used bear striking similarities to those employed by call centre scams and transnational scam networks. Such groups often use social media to inflate page credibility before conducting fraudulent sales or extracting victims’ personal information, posing a growing threat to national cybersecurity and public trust.

The suspects and all confiscated items are currently being held at the Makham District Customs Post in Chanthaburi for further legal proceedings. Authorities are now working to trace links to broader criminal networks and identify the Thai individual responsible for coordinating the operation. The case may signal deeper connections to international cybercrime syndicates operating in the region.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-28