Bangkok: Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Deputy Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police, has provided an in-depth update on the successful crackdown of call center scams. The operation, which has been prioritized as a “national agenda,” involves cooperation with neighboring countries like Cambodia. The Royal Thai Police have officially submitted information on the perpetrators and are currently awaiting feedback on the implementation of the joint agreement.
According to Thai News Agency, domestic efforts have shown significant progress. A multi-agency war room center has been instrumental in reducing the financial impact on citizens, with the average amount per case declining significantly. Public awareness campaigns are underway, with the Public Relations Department disseminating warnings via over 80,000 radio towers and online platforms, reaching more than 500,000 people daily. The “Digital Citizen” project is also being promoted to educate citizens on recognizing fraud patterns.
While no Thai politicians have been implicated in scam activities, arrest warrants have been issued for two Cambodian politicians, Kok An and Ly Yong Phat. The crackdown distinguishes between scammers and online gambling, noting that nearly 90% of scam websites are blocked due to cooperative platforms. However, blocking gambling websites remains challenging due to legality issues in various countries. Since October 1, 2025, over 800 cases have been prosecuted.
Regarding the investigation into mule accounts within the police force, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong assured that this is a known money laundering practice under scrutiny. Allegations against high-ranking officers are being reviewed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong also addressed concerns raised by Mr. Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Crime Victim Assistance Club, who presented evidence to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) regarding MP Chanonpat Naksua’s assets. While the AMLO seized 150 million baht, claims of a further 2.5 billion baht remain unsubstantiated. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong urged Mr. Atchariya to submit any evidence to the AMLO to aid in their investigation.
In response to Mr. Atchariya’s actions during a committee meeting with the AMLO, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong viewed the questioning as an abuse of power, noting that the AMLO is still investigating MP Chanonpat’s assets. The AMLO has expressed gratitude for the police’s scientific evidence, which has been crucial in pursuing asset seizures linked to gambling websites.