Thailand Seeks Interpol Red Notice for Cambodian Scam Kingpin

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

In a significant crackdown on a major scam network, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) are set to request Interpol's assistance to issue a Red Notice for Kok An, a suspected Cambodian crime leader believed to have fled Thailand. Kok An allegedly heads a network exploiting Thai citizens through fraudulent operations.

Inspector-General Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot revealed on Thursday that Kok An owns multiple properties thought to be used for scam activities. The network is under extensive investigation, with police raiding 20 sites in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chon Buri, seizing assets worth over 1.1 billion baht (approximately 43 million Thai Baht).

Authorities have connected Kok An to key locations including the Crown Casino Resort and the Hiso building in Poipet. Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub linked these properties to the scam organisation.

With Kok An having left Thailand, the RTP aims to use Interpol’s Red Notice to facilitate his capture. Pol Gen Thatchai noted that additional arrest warrants might be issued as the investigation unfolds. Efforts are underway to explore potential involvement of Thai officials in the criminal activities.

The Inspector-General refrained from commenting on Kok An's alleged connections to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen but acknowledged Kok An's influential business role in Cambodia's political scene.

An alleged connection between Kok An and a Thai national, who reportedly owns the Star Complex Casino in Myawaddy and another in Poipet, is also under scrutiny. However, Pol Gen Thatchai emphasised that no links have been identified so far but investigations continue.

In addition to seeking Interpol's Red Notice, Thai authorities are urging Cambodia to cooperate in dismantling transnational crime networks within its borders.

In related developments, Pol Gen Thatchai, also the director of Thailand's Action Taskforce for Information Technology Crime Suppression (TACTICS) and the RTP’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Centre, announced collaboration with the US FBI and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Together, they plan to establish a 'war room' by the end of the month to tackle call centre scams and human trafficking effectively.

This joint initiative reflects a robust commitment to combating cross-border criminal activities, signalling a strong message to those involved in such illicit operations. As authorities tighten the net, the focus remains firmly on protecting citizens and securing justice against international crime syndicates.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-11