Picture courtesy of Naewna

 

A call centre gang attempting to defraud a senior police officer was uncovered after targeting Deputy Commander Police Colonel Prathan Nantaokobkul, leading to a search of a condominium in Nonthaburi. Police discovered equipment potentially linked to illegal call centre operations and seized it for investigation.

 

The search took place on 25 October 2025 at 10:00 at a condominium in Bang Rak Yai, Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi. Major General Worachat Saenkham, head of Provincial Police Region 1, led the operation along with Deputy Commanders Police Colonels Prathan Nantaokobkul and Witit Chanieam, and Detective Police Colonel Poonsuk Techaruesertporn. The search was authorised under a warrant issued by Nonthaburi Provincial Court.

 

Officers found a sim box capable of holding 32 sim cards, an internet modem, a CCTV camera and a power backup unit. Forensic experts collected fingerprints and DNA evidence for comparison against criminal records. Authorities traced the operation to a room rented for about a month by 39-year-old Noi, a resident of Sa Kaeo province, who is suspected of involvement with the scam gang.

 

The investigation originated from 20 October when Deputy Commander Prathan received a call from someone impersonating a mobile network official, alleging his involvement with a southern drug trafficking gang. The caller demanded a money transfer for verification but abruptly ended the call when account details were requested.

 

Police say the phone number used in the scam led them to the Nonthaburi condominium. An arrest warrant is expected for charges related to the unauthorised use and operation of telecommunications equipment. Major General Worachat noted that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Police General Kittirat Phonphat have prioritised cracking down on call centre gangs deceiving the public.

 

The intensified crackdown follows the closure of Cambodian border checkpoints, which had previously allowed such gangs to enter Thailand and set up equipment for fraudulent activities.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A call centre scam targeting Deputy Commander Prathan Nantaokobkul led to the seizure of equipment in Nonthaburi.

• Police found a sim box, modem, CCTV camera, and power backup unit during the operation.

• Authorities are investigating the case and plan to issue an arrest warrant for unauthorised use of telecommunications equipment.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Naewna 2025-10-27

 

 

 

 

Whoops - they picked on the wrong guy.  

 

Oh hang on, doesn't this mean it shouldn't be all that difficult to apprehend more scam gangs more quickly if this copper could do it so quickly?

So where do these scammers obtain "sim boxes"? They are not something any  normal retailer would sell, or normal punter even know about. Are they even legal? Do they have any legitimate use?

OMG, scammers in Thailand...who would have thought

16 hours ago, Grusa said:

So where do these scammers obtain "sim boxes"? They are not something any  normal retailer would sell, or normal punter even know about. Are they even legal? Do they have any legitimate use?

I agree, and I've also never heard the term "sim box".  

 

But looked on Lazada,  and many to choose from - 24 sim box 120TB.