BANGKOK, Thailand – A recent NIDA poll shows strong public approval for the Thai government’s actions to disrupt call center scam operations in Myanmar. Measures such as cutting electricity, blocking internet access, and suspending fuel exports to scam hubs have the support of 91.61% of respondents, with 70.54% strongly backing the approach. The majority believe these efforts are having an impact, with 78.63% stating they help curb the problem to some extent.
The government’s crackdown has also brought attention to concerns about corruption. Nearly 70% of respondents believe some Thai officials may have links to these scams, while 26.87% remain uncertain. This underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening oversight and ensuring accountability to prevent internal complicity from undermining enforcement efforts.
The poll also explored public perceptions of those involved in scam networks. Nearly half (49.77%) believe there is an equal mix of individuals who were deceived and those who willingly participated. Another 25.80% think most workers joined voluntarily, while 20.38% believe the majority were coerced. These insights align with the government’s efforts to dismantle both the criminal organizations behind these scams and the human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
While the crackdown has disrupted scam operations, the government remains focused on long-term solutions. Strengthening cooperation with Myanmar, intensifying law enforcement efforts, and increasing public awareness are key priorities. Authorities continue to refine their strategies to counter evolving scam tactics and ensure lasting success in dismantling these networks.
The government has maintained that it will continue to target these criminal operations through regional collaboration and stricter enforcement. As scam tactics evolve, authorities face growing pressure to address the criminal networks and the corruption that may be enabling them. (NNT)
