Vietnamese Man Flees Cambodian Scam Hub, Caught at Thai Border

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

A 21-year-old Vietnamese man has been detained by Thai border rangers in Surin Province after escaping a call centre scam compound in neighbouring Cambodia. He was apprehended near the Chong Chom border crossing and told officials he had been lured to O Smach, in Cambodia, by a fake job promising a monthly salary of US$560. His immediate request now is to be sent back to Vietnam.

The man said he had instead been forced to work under a Chinese boss running a scam operation and was subjected to physical abuse when he failed to meet targets. He recounted that he managed to flee at night by climbing a wall, although two friends who attempted to escape with him were captured. Thai officials have not released his name and are processing his case following his detention.

His account mirrors earlier incidents involving foreign workers trafficked into criminal networks in Cambodia. In October, eight Indonesian nationals were found exhausted after fleeing similar scam operations and were subsequently deported. Border authorities in Surin have reported an increase in such escape attempts as workers seek to avoid ongoing exploitation.

Officials say the recurring cases highlight the persistence of transnational scam centres and the risks for jobseekers enticed by fraudulent online offers. Anti-trafficking experts warn that criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable migrants across the region. Thai authorities now face further pressure to coordinate with neighbouring countries on repatriation and prevention.

Khoasod reported that the Vietnamese man’s case is expected to proceed through standard immigration procedures before deportation. Authorities will verify his identity and coordinate with Vietnamese officials to arrange his return. Regional agencies are likely to monitor the situation for additional escape attempts linked to scam networks operating along the border.

Key Takeaways

• A Vietnamese man escaped a Cambodian scam centre and was detained by Thai rangers near the Chong Chom crossing.

• He reported abuse by a Chinese boss and said two companions were caught during their escape.

• The case follows a similar incident in October involving eight Indonesians fleeing scam operations in Cambodia.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-03