Thais and Lao Caught Fleeing Cambodia Call Centre Gang

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Three people, two Thais and one Lao national, were arrested by Thai border forces while attempting to flee from a call centre gang in Cambodia and cross back into Thailand through Sa Kaeo province. The arrest took place at around 20.30 on 24 October 2025, when a patrol from the 12th Ranger Regiment Task Force (G.K.K. Burapha) intercepted the trio as they tried to climb over the roof of the Golden Gate Market near the Klong Luek border area. Officers used a ladder to safely help them down before taking them into custody.

During questioning, the three individuals told authorities they had been deceived by an online job offer on Facebook promising high pay for work in Kandal province, Cambodia. Upon arrival, their phones and identity documents were confiscated and they were forced to undergo computer training. When they failed to meet the expectations, they were beaten and later compelled to open bank accounts for use as “mule” accounts in fraudulent activities. Two of the Thais were then reassigned to work as waiters at a Thai restaurant called Thai House, allegedly connected to the call centre network.

They remained at the restaurant until 22 October, when a crackdown on call centre operations took place in Kandal province, forcing the closure of the business. The gang reportedly released the workers, arranging a van to transport them and others to the Poipet border checkpoint on 24 October. Each was required to pay a smuggler’s fee of 3,000 baht to be guided across the border through natural routes. The group was instructed to climb over the market roof to enter Thailand but were intercepted by Thai rangers before completing the crossing.

The three detainees were handed over to Klong Luek Police Station in Sa Kaeo province for legal proceedings on charges of illegal entry into the kingdom. Authorities said the case highlights ongoing human trafficking risks involving online job scams that lure Thai and foreign nationals into forced labour under criminal networks operating across the Cambodian border.

Key Takeaways

• Two Thais and one Lao national were caught entering Thailand illegally after fleeing a call centre gang in Cambodia.

• The victims claimed they were tricked through Facebook job ads and forced to work in scams and at a Thai restaurant.

• All three have been transferred to Klong Luek Police Station for prosecution under immigration law.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-10-26