Picture courtesy of THai PBS World

 

Thailand has voiced strong support for new measures by the US Department of the Treasury targeting a scam network in Southeast Asia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that these measures align with Thailand's ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime. This cooperation underscores the commitment to counter threats from scam centres that affect people across the region, including Americans.

 

The ministry's statement on September 13 highlighted Thailand's longstanding law enforcement collaboration with the US. It was noted that online scams pose significant security threats, linking them to severe transnational crimes like forced labour, human trafficking, and money laundering. The statement reiterated Thailand's resolve to eradicate scam centres and strengthen cooperation with the US and other partners in addressing this critical issue.

 

This week, the US Treasury enacted comprehensive measures against online scams in Southeast Asia. TThe Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on 19 individuals and entities connected with scam operations in Myanmar's Shwe Kokko and Cambodia. These sanctions freeze US assets and prohibit Americans from engaging in business with the sanctioned parties, which represents an important move by Washington against scam networks that defrauded Americans out of over 360 billion Thai baht in 2024 alone.

 

Simultaneously, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an advisory focused on financially motivated sextortion. The advisory highlights a rise in schemes targeting teenagers, often involving AI-generated deepfakes. Banks and financial institutions received guidelines and red-flag indicators to help detect and dismantle such fraudulent activities.

 

Looking ahead, these developments are expected to bolster international cooperation in tackling online scams. The emphasis will remain on tightening security measures and enhancing information exchange between countries. Continuous vigilance and cooperation will be key to combating the complex web of transnational crimes emanating from these scam centres.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand supports US efforts against Southeast Asian scam networks.
• US sanctions target 19 individuals linked to scams in Myanmar and Cambodia.
• US Treasury warns of increasing AI-driven sextortion schemes.

 

Related Stories:

 

Thai Police Launch Global Operation Against Scam Syndicates

War Room Setup to Crush Call Centres in 3 Months

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-09-15

 

 

And what is Thailand doing about scam networks?

 

I have recent read several reports of scam and cyber crime networks in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar - one common element, are all run by Chinese nationals with assistance from local "groups" (read politicians, business people, government officials, etc.).   In other words, all these groups have "support" from (corrupt) officials in those countries, as well as corrupt officials in a neighboring country.  It is interesting that the majority of the networks in Myanmar are based very very close to the Thai-Myanmar border - why?

23 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

And what is Thailand doing about scam networks?

 

I have recent read several reports of scam and cyber crime networks in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar - one common element, are all run by Chinese nationals with assistance from local "groups" (read politicians, business people, government officials, etc.).   In other words, all these groups have "support" from (corrupt) officials in those countries, as well as corrupt officials in a neighboring country.  It is interesting that the majority of the networks in Myanmar are based very very close to the Thai-Myanmar border - why?

S.E.Asiaan countries aided by China and of course those naughty Indians

Dont let China see this or theyll restrict even more chinese tourists from coming

On 9/15/2025 at 11:26 AM, JimHuaHin said:

And what is Thailand doing about scam networks?

 

I have recent read several reports of scam and cyber crime networks in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar - one common element, are all run by Chinese nationals with assistance from local "groups" (read politicians, business people, government officials, etc.).   In other words, all these groups have "support" from (corrupt) officials in those countries, as well as corrupt officials in a neighboring country.  It is interesting that the majority of the networks in Myanmar are based very very close to the Thai-Myanmar border - why?

Supply of electricity. Myanmar doesn't really have a power transmission system in the North.

On 9/15/2025 at 8:26 AM, JimHuaHin said:

And what is Thailand doing about scam networks?

 

I guess that was meant as a rhetorical question.

56 minutes ago, angryguy said:

Dont let China see this or theyll restrict even more chinese tourists from coming

 

Would't be bad.