Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Six countries have agreed to intensify joint action against transnational online fraud, adopting a real-time alert system designed to block, freeze and investigate suspicious digital activity simultaneously across borders. The agreement was reached on 14 November in Kunming, China, where ministers from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam convened to address escalating telecom and online scams impacting regional economies and public security. Thai officials emphasised that the country is both a major victim and an active partner committed to swift and transparent cooperation.

 

The talks focused on cross-border fraud networks that continue to expand in scale and sophistication, particularly in the Mekong–Lancang region. Thai delegation leader Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Phuridej highlighted findings from the Anti-Cyber Scam Center (ACSC), which revealed that funds moved through mule accounts were frequently transferred to neighbouring countries, while technical signals and IP data pointed to operations outside Thailand. Delegates were also presented with evidence that many scam centres are located along border areas and in specific economic zones, with Thailand having already shared these findings with relevant governments.

 

Thailand proposed three urgent regional measures: a real-time data exchange system with a shared database of mule accounts, phone numbers and IP addresses; the appointment of Cyber Liaison Officers stationed in key operational hubs to enable same-day information requests and coordinated telecom controls, including strict SIM registration, limits on SIM ownership and the temporary suspension of suspicious signals. These steps align with an existing Thai–Cambodian joint plan to dismantle cyber scam operations. Thai police underscored their readiness to block suspect phone signals, freeze bank accounts, trace financial flows and assist victims while sharing in-depth intelligence with cooperating countries, especially China.

 

Jiraphop reaffirmed Thailand’s position that “scam centres will not be allowed to exist” within its territory and that all credible leads would be pursued without exception. He noted a recent cross-border case involving 1,598 suspected scammers of 28 nationalities found near the Thai–Myanmar border, where Thai authorities screened victims and offenders and coordinated repatriations. Each country was urged to demonstrate equal resolve and avoid providing any “safe haven” for scam networks.

 

The ministerial meeting concluded with 21 cooperation commitments, ranging from joint operations and shared evidence procedures to coordinated asset seizures, extraditions and annual ministerial reviews. Participants agreed to develop joint intelligence channels, harmonise digital investigation standards, strengthen financial tracing and involve technology firms and NGOs in multilingual prevention campaigns. Chinese officials praised Thailand’s transparency and assertive approach, noting ongoing trilateral and regional operations already achieving results.

 

Thailand proposed establishing an international Joint Task Force using ACSC data in real time, reported Daily News, aiming to respond to significant leads within 24 hours. It also called for a transparency mechanism requiring regular progress reports on cross-border alerts and a joint oversight body to monitor implementation. The six nations pledged to uphold legal principles, build trust and ensure that no part of the region becomes a refuge for organised scam operations.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Six Mekong–Lancang countries have agreed to a 21-point plan to intensify cooperation against cross-border scam networks.

• Thailand proposed urgent measures including real-time data sharing, cyber liaison officers and stricter telecom controls.

• The nations committed to preventing “safe havens” for scam centres and expanding joint operations, evidence sharing and repatriations.

 

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Dailynews 2025-11-16

 

 

 

 

Kick the Chinese out of Thailand, that should put a huge dent in the problem.