BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Cyber Police have confirmed that all 119 Thai nationals recently repatriated from Poipet, Cambodia, were involved in illegal activities. Authorities are now working with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to close loopholes related to cryptocurrency transactions.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiewphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), provided an update on the investigation into the 93 Thai suspects arrested in Poipet. He stated that interrogations are ongoing, with over 20 individuals already confessing and providing consistent testimonies confirming that the “Phu Ta Suan” building was indeed a base for a call center scam. The testimonies also revealed various fraudulent schemes, including romance scams, investment fraud, and intimidation tactics.
The statements align with complaints filed in Thailand’s “Thai Police Online” system and with the Cambodian authorities’ findings. The suspects reportedly went to work there voluntarily. Investigators are currently examining their mobile phones and electronic devices for further evidence.
The determination of whether an individual is a suspect or a victim falls under the jurisdiction of local agencies, with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) playing a key role. Meanwhile, the Cyber Police focus on criminal investigations that lead to solid evidence and arrest warrants. The charges against the suspects include public fraud, involvement in a criminal organization, and inputting false information into computer systems—offenses punishable by at least four years in prison. Given that the crimes involved multiple individuals operating across two or more countries, this case qualifies as transnational organized crime.
Authorities have issued arrest warrants for two Chinese nationals believed to be high-ranking masterminds behind the operation. The 119 Thai individuals are considered employees rather than key decision-makers. Investigators have identified about 20 foreign nationals in managerial roles and are tracking financial transactions linked to the syndicate. The funds obtained through scams were allegedly converted into cryptocurrency and moved offshore. The Thai police have already discussed this issue with the Bank of Thailand and are now working with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to trace the digital currency transactions.
Initial investigations revealed that call center scammers in this operation earned a base salary of 20,000 baht per month, with a 5% commission on fraudulent earnings. However, upon arrival, each worker was forced into debt, reportedly owing the company 70,000 baht. Those who wished to leave were required to repay their debt, while others had their salaries deducted by 10,000 baht per month, effectively binding them to the job for at least seven months.
Regarding the 15 Thai nationals who have not yet been charged, authorities determined that they were not victims but had voluntarily worked for illegal gambling websites. Therefore, they do not meet the criteria for transnational organized crime. However, investigations are ongoing to determine whether the remaining 100 suspects had further connections to the call center scam. It was confirmed that all individuals had entered and exited Cambodia illegally, leading to fines imposed by immigration authorities.
Two of the individuals involved are minors, and special legal measures will be applied to their cases. Authorities expect to complete all interrogations by tomorrow morning, at which point the status of any remaining uncharged individuals will be clarified. A press conference led by Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police, is scheduled for 9:30 AM tomorrow to provide further details. (TNA)
