Picture courtesy of TNR

 

Scam gangs are allegedly relocating their operations from Cambodia to Thailand after a joint crackdown by South Korean and Cambodian police, according to a report by Sisa Journal. The South Korean magazine’s investigation revealed that the move follows increased law enforcement pressure in Cambodia, with scammers seeking safer ground in neighbouring Thailand.

 

A journalist from Sisa Journal contacted a middle manager of a scam centre in Thailand, identified only as Mr. A, between October 17 and 21. Mr. A said that scam operations linked to human trafficking continue without signs of stopping, despite international efforts to dismantle them. He noted that some gang members in Cambodia mocked the recent crackdown, even as signs emerged of their relocation into Thailand.

 

Mr. A, whose scam hub employs 12 South Korean workers, explained that the bosses have warned those who previously worked in Cambodia, Myanmar or Laos not to join the Thai-based groups due to possible investigations. He said Korean youths who often travelled to those countries were likely to face scrutiny for possible illegal involvement. To avoid suspicion, workers were instructed to book their own flights, as tickets purchased by A, a Chinese national, would have PIN codes in Chinese, potentially drawing attention at immigration.

 

The scam centres reportedly target young adults in their 20s and 30s, as they are perceived to have the verbal and social skills needed for call centre fraud. Those in their 40s are seen as less capable of performing effectively. Workers are typically recruited for a minimum of three months and paid weekly, earning between 10 million and 15 million won (approximately 229,000–344,000 baht) depending on performance.

 

According to A, call centre scams operate in three distinct stages. Stage one, known as “Nogada” (repetitive labour), involves continuous cold-calling to identify potential victims. Stage two requires persuasive communication, while stage three demands a deeper understanding of financial systems, with only the most skilled workers reaching that level.

 

Strict internal rules govern scam centres, including bans on alcohol during weekdays and drugs at all times to avoid attracting police attention. Workers are forbidden from sharing personal details with colleagues to protect their identities and safety. Applicants must also provide three documents, health insurance, a criminal record, and a passport photo, when applying. A said that maintaining access to workers’ criminal histories allows scam bosses to exert control, as any theft or misconduct can be swiftly blamed on those with prior offences.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Scam syndicates have reportedly shifted from Cambodia to Thailand following police crackdowns.

• Workers, mainly in their 20s and 30s, earn up to 344,000 baht a week in structured call centre scams.

• Strict internal controls and document checks help scam bosses maintain control over recruits.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Thainewsroom 2025-10-22

 

 

 

 

PM Demands Clarification From Deputy Finance Minister Over Scam Claims

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has asked Deputy Finance Minister Vorapak Tanyawong to submit a written explanation following allegations linking him to Southeast Asian scam networks. The request comes amid growing scrutiny of online fraud operations spreading across the region and heightened government efforts to dismantle them.

 

Mr Anutin publicly denied reports that Mr Vorapak had been appointed to head a new national anti-scam committee. “There’s no such appointment,” he told reporters. “His name isn’t on the list, never was, never will be. I’m the chairman. Financial matters fall under (Finance Minister) Ekniti and investigations are led by the Justice Ministry.” The clarification followed earlier statements by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas suggesting that his deputy would lead a task force to trace illicit financial flows from scam operations.

 

The controversy intensified after Whale Hunting, a newsletter published by investigative platform Project Brazen, alleged that Mr Vorapak’s wife had received US$3 million in cryptocurrency, citing Singapore corporate filings. Project Brazen, founded by journalists Tom Wright and Bradley Hope, known for their work uncovering Malaysia’s 1MDB scandal, has recently reported on political and business figures in Thailand, Cambodia and beyond who may be tied to the regional scam industry.

 

Mr Vorapak has denied all allegations. However, the claims have drawn attention to the growing financial influence of scam-linked figures in Thai companies, including Bangchak Corp and Finansia X Plc. The revelations underscore the regional scale of cyber fraud operations that have exploited human trafficking networks across Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Victims are often coerced into running online scams through social media and dating platforms targeting global victims.

 

Recent months have seen intensified international crackdowns. Dozens of South Korean nationals allegedly employed by scammers were repatriated from Cambodia, while Myanmar authorities raided a major compound detaining more than 2,000 workers and seizing Starlink receivers. The United Nations has warned that cybercrime syndicates continue to expand, facilitated by cryptocurrency use and satellite internet technology.

 

Finance Minister Ekniti confirmed that the Ministry of Finance task force, named Connect the Dots, aims to trace financial and identity links to online scams. The group will coordinate with the Bank of Thailand, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, with full operational groundwork expected by December.

 

When asked whether allegations against ministers could destabilise his newly formed government, Mr Anutin replied firmly: “If anyone is found guilty, the law will take care of them.”

 

Key Takeaways

 

• PM Anutin has requested a written explanation from Deputy Finance Minister Vorapak over alleged scam links.

• Reports from Project Brazen claimed Vorapak’s wife received $3 million in cryptocurrency, which he denies.

• The Finance Ministry’s Connect the Dots task force aims to trace financial flows tied to online scams by year-end.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-22

 

 

13 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

while stage three demands a deeper understanding of financial systems,

 

crypto and blockchain experts? 

The Chinese scam gangs need countries with corrupt law enforcement and governments.  

Not unexpected, considering the involvement of some Thai "figures" in scam centres based in Cambodia and Myanmar, especially those very close to the Thai border.

 

Do a Google search on "international reports on scam centres close to the Thai border".

51 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Not unexpected, considering the involvement of some Thai "figures" in scam centres based in Cambodia and Myanmar, especially those very close to the Thai border.

 

Do a Google search on "international reports on scam centres close to the Thai border".

Exactly

 

Scamming by foreign operatives, eh?

These scammers may be in serious trouble for working an occupation restricted to Thai nationals.

 

Never mind, they will all be caught when they go to do their 90 day report.

 

 

It is not difficult to believe that there are Thai politicians aiding and profiting from the scam centers in and near Thailand. 

It will be difficult to find the proof though. Cryptocurrency is not easily tracked. I do hope they can prove it and make criminal charges against those involved. But there is a lot of doubt this will happen given the influential figures involved. 

Why do you think the authorities/elites sanction the Burmese military? Because they are also the beneficiaries of the underworld and as long as there is anarchy in Myanmar these scam centres will continue to operate. Look around Asia at all the countries that are either run or controlled by the military, nearly all have extremely high levels of blatant corruption and many are connected to these scam centres in & around the Golden triangle.

4 hours ago, Kinnock said:

The Chinese scam gangs need countries with corrupt law enforcement and governments.  

Scams on a mega proportion anywhere around the world nowadays, rarely they get caught and when they do,

evidence against them is pretty flimsy so in this case, Crimes do pay, in some cases, pays big time.

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Applicants must also provide three documents, health insurance, a criminal record, and a passport photo, when applying.

A criminal background check to apply for a job in a scam centre?

 

Just when you thought you'd seen it all.

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Scam syndicates have reportedly shifted from Cambodia to Thailand following police crackdowns.

 

So, Anutin and the Thai Military - look at home first before ranting on about Cambodia. Try Bangkok and Pattaya for starters!

2 hours ago, paul1804 said:

Why do you think the authorities/elites sanction the Burmese military? Because they are also the beneficiaries of the underworld and as long as there is anarchy in Myanmar these scam centres will continue to operate. Look around Asia at all the countries that are either run or controlled by the military, nearly all have extremely high levels of blatant corruption and many are connected to these scam centres in & around the Golden triangle.

Exactly.

 

And the same existed during 1975-1979 ( and a little later) when the Khmer Rouge were in power in Phnom Penh (and held partial power in border regions).

Ask yourself this question, why have none of the "key players" in the scam business been brought to justice?

 

Money talks and money enables "key players" to evade justice. 

Well, welcome to Thailand. Now go home.

That makes sense. Thailand is just as welcoming to criminals as Cambodia is, with much better internet connectivity.

Thailand is truly the HUB for foreign criminals. that distinction has been there for decades.

An interesting article about the People's Party taking up the issue of scam centres to win over potential conservative voters.

If  exposure continues,this scandal could seriously damage Bhumjaithai.

People’s party targets scam networks in bid to woo conservatives https://share.google/D15uA91cQaVXoo8TI

On 10/22/2025 at 4:06 PM, peterrabbit said:

Ask yourself this question, why have none of the "key players" in the scam business been brought to justice?

 

Money talks and money enables "key players" to evade justice. 

Because the. elites in these countries protect each other for personal financial gain!!