Bangkok: The Royal Thai Police, in collaboration with the Mirror Foundation, has issued a warning to parents to remain vigilant on National Children's Day due to the risk of children and youth going missing and being lured into scamming gangs. This warning follows last year's incident where 19 children and youth were tricked into joining such gangs in Cambodia, with only 12 being rescued. The mother of one of the seven still-missing children has made a tearful plea to the Royal Thai Police for urgent help, revealing severe abuse for failing to meet sales quotas.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General and Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, briefed the press on the dangers of modern-day human trafficking, specifically the exploitation of children in call center scams. He highlighted the importance of immediate reporting without waiting for 24 hours and called for parental cooperation during National Children's Day to prevent children from getting lost. Parents are advised to prepare identification information for their children and teach them how to seek help if needed. In case a child goes missing, they should contact 191 or file a police report immediately.
The deputy spokesperson revealed that in 2025, a total of 265 children went missing, comprising 96 boys and 169 girls, with 47 still unaccounted for. The primary reasons were children voluntarily running away (176 cases), child custody disputes (24 cases), and being tricked into becoming scammers (19 cases). Other causes included developmental problems, mental health issues, getting lost, and accidents. Last year, there were eight reported cases of child abduction.
Online crime targeting children and youth, especially recruitment into call center gangs or scammers, is a growing concern. The Royal Thai Police, in collaboration with various sectors, has set up a committee for missing persons and an anti-human trafficking center to address this issue urgently. Parents are urged to monitor their children's internet activities closely to prevent victimization.
Pol. Col. Yutthapong Intarapong, Deputy Commander of the Criminal Records Division, stated that reports of missing children can be filed immediately at the nearest police station or through hotlines such as the 1599 Missing Persons Center, the 1300 Social Assistance Center, and the Mirror Foundation.
Mr. Ekalak Lumlumchomkhae disclosed that last year, at least 19 children aged 15-18 were deceived into working as scammers in neighboring countries. They were lured with promises of high wages or through relationships before being handed over to human trafficking rings. Seven more children are still being tracked and have not yet returned to Thailand.
During the press conference, the mother of a missing 16-year-old boy submitted a letter requesting assistance, stating that her son was last seen near the border of Sa Kaeo province and is currently unreachable. She appealed to relevant agencies for expedited assistance in bringing him safely back to Thailand.