Thai Man Escapes Cambodia Scam Gang After Forest Trek

Picture courtesy of Workpoint

A 40-year-old Thai man from Buriram has returned home after escaping from a scam operation in Poipet, Cambodia, where he was allegedly forced to work after being deceived into opening so-called “mule accounts”. The man, identified as Mr Nok, reunited with his 64-year-old mother, breaking down in tears as he described the experience as “like living hell”. His escape followed a two-day trek through forested areas along the Thai–Cambodian border before he was found by Thai soldiers.

According to Mr Bird, he was lured to Cambodia with the promise of paid work opening bank accounts in exchange for wages. After crossing the border, he said he was detained at a scam compound in Poipet and forced to work, alongside more than 30 other Thai nationals. He alleged that several detainees were beaten and tortured, while none received the promised payment.

Mr Bird said he decided to flee after witnessing repeated abuse and fearing for his life. He escaped the compound and walked for two days and two nights through sugarcane fields and forested terrain, attempting to avoid detection. His journey ended when he encountered Thai ranger soldiers on patrol in the Khlong Hat area of Sa Kaeo province.

The soldiers escorted him to Nong Nam Sai Police Station, where officers recorded his personal details and contacted his family. Police confirmed that his name is linked to mule bank accounts, meaning he may be questioned further as part of legal procedures related to financial crime investigations. He was later released into the care of his family and taken back to Buriram.

Upon his return home, Mr Bird’s family performed a traditional ritual to ward off misfortune and restore his morale, including tying ceremonial strings around his wrists in line with local beliefs. Speaking after the ceremony, he said conditions at the scam compound involved physical violence, hunger and constant fear, adding that he did not receive “even a single baht” during his captivity.

Workpoint reported that Mr Bird also issued a warning to others in Thailand, urging people not to accept offers to open bank accounts for payment. He said many victims may never return home, stressing that his survival was due to luck and timely assistance from Thai authorities.

Key Takeaways

• A Buriram man escaped a scam compound in Poipet after being forced into mule account work.

• He walked for two days through forested areas before being found by Thai ranger soldiers.

• Police recorded his details due to links to mule accounts and may investigate further.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Workpointnews 2026-01-18