Bangkok: Senator Premsak Piayura has called upon the Ministry of Digital Economy to take immediate action against call center gangs, gambling websites, and pornographic websites following the enactment of the Emergency Decree on the Suppression of Call Centers. The Minister of Digital Economy has committed to apprehending the individual known as “Kok An” and addressing the Facebook platform, which is reportedly a hub for international fraud.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Premsak, a Senate member, raised concerns with Mr. Prasert Jantarawongthong, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, regarding the persistent issue of call center gangs. Despite government efforts, including the Royal Decree on Measures to Prevent and Suppress Technology Crime (No. 2) B.E. 2568, these gangs continue to exploit individuals economically. Dr. Premsak emphasized the need for mobile phone companies to be accountable for public losses, questioning the effectiveness of existing laws and the coordination among government agencies.
Mr. Prasert responded by highlighting recent improvements, noting a reduction in messages linked to money-sucking apps. He detailed enhanced operational results from May to July 2025, following the Royal Decree’s financial and digital asset measures. The establishment of the NBTC with legal status has reportedly improved agency coordination and law enforcement, significantly reducing financial damages.
Dr. Premsak also addressed the issue of mule accounts and the ongoing prevalence of fraudulent gambling and pornographic websites. He stressed the need for public education, particularly for retired civil servants and students who are frequent targets of scams. Additionally, he inquired about effective legal actions against major fraud figures like Kok An and the responsibility of international platforms such as Facebook in facilitating fraud.
Mr. Prasert acknowledged the challenges in tackling gambling and pornographic websites, noting the Ministry’s development of AI capable of closing approximately 100,000 websites monthly. However, prosecution remains difficult due to anonymity and overseas server locations. The Ministry plans to proactively educate vulnerable groups, and efforts to apprehend figures like Kok An are ongoing, with an Interpol red notice requested. Regarding the Facebook platform, Mr. Prasert assured continued action to hold them accountable and prevent further fraud.