Thai Mobile Operators Warned Over Cross-Border Scam Signals

THAILAND - In a stern message, DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob has warned Thai mobile operators to stop the leakage of mobile internet signals into neighbouring countries used by call-centre gangs to scam Thai citizens. This comes after a meeting addressing the issue of signals crossing borders, particularly into Myanmar and Cambodia. The minister has threatened heavy fines and even revocation of operating licences if operators fail to comply.

The meeting revealed that despite previous warnings, mobile signals from 50 out of 160 cell towers along the border are still being detected beyond Thai territory. These signals facilitate call-centre gangs operating with smuggled broadband links to Thai networks. The ongoing crackdown by the government aims to dismantle these scammer networks as a national priority, a task underscored by the discovery of illegally laid internet cables aiding the gangs.

Minister Chaichanok has instructed the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to take swift action against non-compliant operators. Legal repercussions and licence revocation are on the table for those who ignore these directives. Chaichanok stated, “We are beyond the warning stage,” affirming the seriousness of potential penalties. An upcoming meeting between NBTC and mobile operators will aim to establish concrete measures to address these breaches.

In addition to immediate actions, the DES Ministry plans to introduce new security standards for cell towers along the border. Operators will need to implement real-time monitoring systems to track internet traffic and collaborate with their counterparts in neighbouring countries to block suspicious activities. The crackdown has already led to the seizure of assets worth over 10 billion baht, marking significant progress in combating these international scams, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways:

• Mobile operators face possible licence revocation if cross-border signals persist.
• The government prioritises dismantling scam rings as a national agenda.
• New security standards are planned for border cell towers to curb scams.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-08