Crime Thai Employers Blow Whistle on Extortion Ring Targeting Cambodian Migrant Workers

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Thai employers have presented key evidence to authorities in an unfolding investigation into a large-scale extortion and money laundering scheme that allegedly preyed on Cambodian migrant workers attempting to renew their work permits in Thailand.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is leading the inquiry, which implicates both Thai and Cambodian officials in a corrupt network exploiting vulnerable workers through the country’s newly implemented online work permit renewal system.

 

The Extortion Scheme

 

The alleged scam took root following a Ministry of Labour announcement on 26 November 2024, stating that all work permit renewals would shift to an online platform ahead of a 13 February 2025 expiration deadline for many permits.

 

However, Cambodian workers were reportedly informed by intermediaries that the system would not process their applications unless they paid an unofficial fee of 2,500 baht per person. Those who refused were denied essential documentation required for medical checks, insurance and visa renewals.

 

Employers Submit Evidence

 

On 15 July 2025, Ms Nilubon Pongpayom, founder of the Facebook group Group of Employers Using Migrant Workers, met with DSI Director-General Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedam to hand over further evidence. The documents revealed a money trail involving Cambodian officials, with clear records of who received payments and how much was paid.

 

Earlier, on 3 July, the DSI raided AA Advance Service offices in Bangkok’s Ram Inthra area, a known hub in the scheme. Following the operation, almost 100,000 pending applications from Cambodian workers were abruptly approved, without requiring the 2,500 baht payment. However, those who had already paid were reportedly subjected to further extortion ranging from 300 to 500 baht for additional visa-related procedures.

 

Investigation Developments

 

So far, the DSI has questioned 14 witnesses, including account holders allegedly used as “money mules”, officials and private sector representatives. Investigators have uncovered hundreds of millions of baht in suspicious financial transactions and are now tracing funds back to Cambodian government contacts.

 

Although Thai Ministry of Labour officials have denied any involvement, the DSI continues to review financial records and witness statements. Due to the cross-border nature of the fraud, investigators are considering designating the case as transnational organised crime.

 

Systemic Failings Exposed

 

One employer, Ms Chitsanucha Charuphan, revealed that she was instructed to pay 5,000 baht per worker to Cambodian agencies to ensure workers’ names appeared on official permit lists. She refused, citing legal concerns. Yet, following the DSI intervention, the system began operating without issue, indicating that no such fee was ever legitimately required.

 

“We call on the authorities to establish and enforce clear legal standards,” Ms Chitsanucha said. “There’s no consistency. The rules keep changing and even government hospitals are refusing health checks, citing disagreement with Ministry of Labour directives.”

 

The case underscores ongoing issues with Thailand’s migrant worker documentation procedures, including opaque fee structures, arbitrary enforcement and insufficient oversight of the renewal system.

 

Related articles:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1366178-dsi-uncovers-cross-border-bribery-money-laundering-network-exploiting-cambodian-workers/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365662-dsi-raids-migrant-work-permit-firms-in-alleged-bribery-scandal-worth-millions-of-baht/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-18